VAAFM: Harvest and Post-Harvest Food Safety Grant

Submitted by tim on Mon, 11/03/2025 - 08:27

Harvest and Post-Harvest Food Safety Grant

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is accepting applications for the Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling Food Safety Grant. The purpose of this one-time funding is to provide infrastructure or equipment for operations performing harvest and post-harvest activities in either the meat or produce sector in Vermont.

Specifically, this funding opportunity is only open to businesses that are subject to federal, or state equivalent, food safety regulatory inspections.

Produce operations receiving regular inspection through the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule (FSMA PSR) are eligible.

Meat slaughter and/or processing businesses operating under at least one of the following grants of inspection are eligible:

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
State of Vermont Meat Inspection Program (equivalent to USDA)
Commercial Interstate Shipment Program (CIS)

Competitive projects will utilize funding to make improvements based on feedback received during regulatory inspection. Applicants may request $1,500 - $10,000 through this program. Matching funds are not required.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, December 5, 2025 at 1:59 PM.

Businesses are encouraged to reach out to Sarah McIlvennie with program or eligibility questions at [email protected] or 802-261-5866.

View the Request for Applications

Produce Safety Rule Exemptions and Exclusions

Certain produce farms may be eligible for an exemption or exclusion from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule inspection process. Exclusions and exemptions are primarily based on the farm’s average annual produce sales.

Eligible farms that have not yet submitted their 2025 exemption or exclusion forms should do so by December 1, 2025.

Submit forms to the Produce Safety Program at [email protected] or call 802-828-2423 for further details.

Learn more

$410,000 in Funding for Vermont Fairs and Field Days

The Fairs and Field Days Capital Grants and Operational Stipends Program is now accepting applications. The Vermont Legislature appropriates funds annually to assist fairs and field days with capital improvements and operational costs.

This year, $300,000 is available for capital improvement projects with a 20-year lifespan, such as lighting, building, electrical, and structural upgrades. An additional $110,000 is available in operational stipends to help support fair operating costs.

Apply by December 14, 2025

2025 Agricultural Drought Impact Survey and Dashboard

Following the recent launch of a survey, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets created a live dashboard displaying some of the impacts reported by farmers in our state.

If you are a business, organization, or individual that raises animals and/or grows feed or other crops (produce, maple, Christmas trees, horticultural plants) for anyone beyond your immediate family, we kindly request that you fill out the 2025 Agricultural Drought Impact Survey.

Adding your voice to the chorus of farmers and food producers already reporting on this serious drought will help with response and planning for future droughts.

View the dashboard and survey

UVM Farmer Survey on Farm Sustainability

If you are a Vermont farmer who interacts directly with your customers, UVM wants to hear from you!

This month we have a guest blogger, Claire Whitehouse, from the University of Vermont’s Center for Rural Studies. They are launching a new survey that explores the real-life decisions farmers must make when considering sustainability goals.

The first 200 survey respondents will get a $25 gift card! The research team will share their findings directly with farmers and will also develop recommendations for policymakers and farmer-facing organizations.

Read more on the blog

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar

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