Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Farm to Institution Market Development (FTIMD) Grant!
FTIMD connects Vermont farms to institutional market opportunities to help grow their agricultural businesses, while also increasing local food access for Vermonters through institutional food service. Farmers, food processors, producer associations, and supply chain facilitators (non-profits, food hubs, etc.) are invited to apply for projects that will:
- Increase sales for at least one local farm; and
- Increase the amount of local food served at Vermont institutions, including schools, early childhood programs, hospitals, colleges, correctional facilities, etc.
Awards will range from $10,000 to $30,000, with a 25% match requirement. The application closes on December 31 at 1:59 PM.
Sign up for an informational webinar on October 14 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.
Managing Immature and Frosted Corn Silage
To maximize yield and ensure high-quality forage, corn silage should be harvested at 30–50% dry matter. In a typical year, there is plenty of time for corn to mature and adjust to the season’s weather. An extremely wet start to this year's growing season means many Vermont farmers will be faced with immature corn as fall approaches.
UVM Extension agronomist Heather Darby is ready to answer your questions about managing immature or frosted corn silage in her new article on the UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils website.
Read the article
The Vermont Farm Fund (VFF), a program of The Center for an Agricultural Economy, provides no-hassle, friendly-term loans to Vermont farmers and food producers. The VFF provides three different types of loans for Vermont farms and food businesses.
Emergency Loans support producers who have suffered a devastating loss due to an unexpected natural disaster that puts their farming career in danger. Business Builder Loans support businesses wanting to invest and innovate for growth. New Producer Loans support new farmers and food producers who need funding to launch a value-added food business.
Learn more
Program for Commercial Loggers
SLoCAMP is a grant-funded cost-share program created to help logging contractors working in Vermont implement proactive water quality protection and climate adaptation practices on their harvest sites.
Administered by the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast, the program supports contractors in preparing harvest sites responsibly — with long-term forest health in mind.
Learn more
Are you thinking about selling farm-branded merchandise (merch)? It’s a smart move! A simple t-shirt, hat, or tote bag with your farm’s name can go a long way toward keeping your farm top-of-mind for customers.
This month on the blog we explore the benefits of selling branded merch for your farm and tips on what to sell and where to sell it.
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
October
10/6 - Farm to School Service Provider Grant application due
10/14 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant applicant webinar
10/29 - Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant application due
10/31 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant application due
November
11/1 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) application due
11/5 - Working Lands Producer Association and Service Provider Grant application due
December
12/11 - Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant application due
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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
Our website address is:
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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