Steve Schubart, Grass Cattle Co. in bedded pack structure. Photo credit: Sol Nikas
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program (Viability Program), a program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), has released an application for grant awards available for capital projects that improve on-farm water quality. These funds are a part of Vermont’s Clean Water Budget, and eligible farm businesses can apply for $5,000 to $50,000. Applications are now open and are due by January 9, 2026.
Funded projects will support farm businesses investing in capital projects that improve water quality, and eligible costs can include construction, renovation, and equipment purchases. Additional priority will be given to projects that have co-benefits such as improved business viability and climate adaptation. These projects advance Vermont’s clean water goals, help farmers comply with the Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), and support the long-term success of farm enterprises.
Previous grant awards have supported projects such as improved manure storage, feed storage, no-till equipment, bedded pack infrastructure and composting equipment, and manure injection equipment.
All awards will require a 1-1 match and can be used to cost share existing state and federal water quality programs, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (NRCS-EQIP) and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s Best Management Practices (BMP) and Capital Equipment Assistance (CEAP) Programs. While there is a particular emphasis on prioritizing projects that have already applied for or secured state or federal funds, these awards can fill the financial gaps for projects that may not qualify for other funding sources.
Viability Program staff will host three virtual information sessions on Wednesday, December 3, Thursday, December 18, and Monday, January 5. Registration for these sessions, grant application instructions, and application forms are available on the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program Website at: https://vhcb.org/WQG.
One recent water quality recipient is Steve Schubart, owner and operator of Grass Cattle Company in Charlotte. On his farm in Charlotte and Hinesburg, Steve rotationally grazes Black Angus and Wagyu cross cows and sells most of his product in his on-farm store. Steve is passionate about the health of the environment, water, and soil he depends on to raise his animals.
In 2024, Steve applied for a VHCB Water Quality Grant to build a new manure management system for his overwintered cows. With co-funding and technical assistance from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Best Management Practices (BMP) Program, he built a new bedded pack composting manure system which decreases potential runoff from the farm and will allow him to improve soil quality in the future.
For questions regarding this grant opportunity, contact: Betsy McGavisk at [email protected] or 802-828-5562.
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program provides business planning, technical assistance, and ownership transfer planning to farm, food and forest products businesses. For more information about the Viability Program, please visit www.vhcb.org/viability.
Montpelier, Vt - Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
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