The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) and Vermont Specialty Food Association (VSFA) invite specialty food and beverage businesses to showcase their products in the Vermont Pavilion at the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City from June 28-30.
The Summer Fancy Food Show, hosted by the Specialty Food Association, is a premier business-to-business trade show for specialty food and beverage products. This is an ideal event for established businesses that are poised to expand into new domestic or international markets.
Joining the Vermont Pavilion provides businesses with enhanced exposure and allows them to fully benefit from the strength of the Vermont brand. Pavilion members will also benefit from a series of pre-show calls, hosted by VAAFM and VSFA, designed to help businesses prepare for the show and to facilitate networking and resource sharing between Pavilion members.
Booth costs are $49 per square foot, so a 5x10 booth costs $2,450 and a 10x10 booth costs $4,900.
VAAFM and VSFA will host two informational calls for businesses interested in joining the Vermont Pavilion:
-
Monday, November 17th from 12:00-1:00 PM – this is an opportunity to learn more about the Pavilion and ask questions. Register now.
- Friday, December 12th from 12:00-1:00 PM – representatives from the Specialty Foods Association will be available to answer questions and we'll discuss funding opportunities to support trade show attendance. Register now.
Up to 20 booths will be available inside the Vermont Pavilion. Interested businesses should email [email protected] to reserve a spot.
Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit
Save the date for the 2026 Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit on March 10-11, 2026, in Albany, New York.
This year’s theme is Dynamic Dairy: Opportunities at Every Scale. From forage and robotics to sensory training and dairy marketing, you'll learn about the systems and factors driving innovation today – and how you can apply them to your dairy business.
Registration will open in December. Sponsorship opportunities are open now.
Learn more
Grants for On-Farm Infrastructure to Improve Water Quality
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program has grant funds available for on-farm capital improvement projects that have a positive impact on water quality. Eligible farmers can apply for $5,000 to $50,000 in funding. These grants are designed to help farm businesses undertake projects that improve on-farm water quality, help farms comply with water quality regulations, and improve overall farm viability. These funds can be used as cost share with other state or federal programs.
Apply by January 9
The Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) has two Fund-a-Farmer grant opportunities available for livestock and poultry farms.
The Welfare Improvement Grant provides up to $3,500 for farmers who seek to improve the lives of farm animals, pursue animal welfare certification, or maintain or market their animal welfare certification.
The Systems Change Innovation Grant provides up to $10,000 for farms looking to make larger changes to their operations, such as transitioning to a pasture-based operation, adopting alternative breeds, or developing shared marketing among pasture-based farms.
Apply by January 3
There's still time to apply for the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Business Enhancement Grant!
This grant is for farms producing food and fiber, as well as forest products businesses. Some food businesses or organizations, as well as agriculture or wood processing and/or distribution businesses can be eligible if they meet certain requirements for local sourcing of raw ingredients or products.
Eligible project types include infrastructure, equipment, marketing, research and development, and workforce training and development. Applicants can apply for grants of $10,000 - $50,000. There is no match requirement.
Apply by December 11
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
November
11/25 - Local Food for Schools and Child Care CSA Grant application due
December
12/4 - Dairy Farm Modernization and Improvement Grant application due
12/5 - Harvest and Post-Harvest Food Safety Grant application due
12/11 - Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant application due
12/14 - Fairs and Field Days Stipend and Capital Grant application due
12/15 - 2025 Agricultural Drought Impact Survey due
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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