Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Eighteen Vermont businesses have been awarded a total of $679,095 through the 2025 Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Business Enhancement Grant. These businesses come from all across Vermont and represent working lands sectors from dairy to maple to fine woodworking to produce.
“These investments support the people and businesses behind the local food and wood products we use every day,” said Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. “From farms to forests, this work reflects the heart of Vermont’s identity and adds to the strength and resilience of our working landscape.”
“The State of Vermont is proud to have a program like the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative that makes annual investments resulting in positive impacts for those making their living off the land,” said Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Secretary, Anson Tebbetts. “Investing in our farm and forest businesses helps our rural communities and economies thrive.”
Read more about the awarded projects
Join the Conversation about the Future of Vermont Dairy
Join the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) for a virtual listening session about the future of dairy in Vermont. VAAFM leadership has been traveling across the state to hear directly from dairy stakeholders, farmers, and processors about their concerns and ideas for the future of Vermont dairy.
The final two listening sessions will be held virtually. The May 7th session is reserved specifically for young and beginning dairy farmers. The May 8th session is open to anyone interested in the future of Vermont dairy.
View the meeting schedule
Resources for Exporting Wood Products
Are you interested in exporting your wood products? If so, join a free webinar on May 22nd to learn how Food Export’s Wood Products Program can support your international growth.
Eligible companies can access virtual consultations, custom market research, and up to 50% cost reimbursement for approved international marketing activities through Food Export's Branded Program.
Eligible products include construction/building materials and consumer/retail wood products.
Learn more
Get Help Finding Resources for Your Business
Does your farm or food business need help finding resources? Or are you unsure if your project is eligible for a specific funding opportunity? We can help!
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has an Agriculture Resource Navigator on staff to help farm and food businesses better access resources they need to thrive.
Our Navigator can help your business identify funding opportunities, determine project eligibility, assess business readiness, and connect with advising and technical assistance services.
Learn more
Starting a Dairy Farm Summer Camp
If you're considering starting a summer camp on your farm—or looking to improve an existing one—we have a new resource for you. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has released “A Guide for Dairy Farm Summer Camp: Connecting Cows, Children, and Community in Vermont”, developed in partnership with Shelburne Farms and funded by Vermont dairy farmers through the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council.
This month on the blog we discuss what the new guide covers, the profitability of summer camps, and how to assess your farm’s readiness for a summer camp.
Read the blog
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
May
5/8 - Dairy Marketing & Branding Services Grant deadline
June
6/1 Harvest New England Day and Vermont Day at the Big E deadline
6/5 - Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant deadline
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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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