The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets needs your help to capture the type and extent of drought-related impacts that agricultural producers are experiencing around the 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 Drought Impact Survey.
Survey data will be used to inform drought response efforts, allocate resources, and advocate for future planning, relief, and recovery programs. The goal is to understand the impacts of the drought on the Vermont agricultural community, so that relief and recovery efforts are better informed and can meet your needs.
To fill out the survey for a shared production space, please coordinate to submit one response for the entire organization or location.
The survey should only take 10-15 minutes to complete. The deadline to complete it is December 15.
Please contact us at [email protected] or 802-828-2430 if you have questions or need a paper copy or assistance filling out the survey.
Local Food for Schools and Child Care CSA Grant
The Local Food for Schools and Child Care Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Grant is now accepting applications. The purpose of this grant is to provide local food to early learners through CSA shares. This grant is open to non-profit organizations and licensed or registered early childhood education providers in Vermont.
To maximize the impact of this grant program, VAAFM is encouraging individual early childhood education providers to partner with other providers on a group application. $200,000 is available to be awarded. There are no minimum or maximum award limits, and there is no matching requirement.
Apply by November 25
Capital Equipment Assistance Program Closing Soon
The Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) is still accepting applications for equipment that will improve water quality on Vermont farms. This competitive grant program can fund up to 90% of the cost of equipment for successful applicants.
Farms, custom applicators, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions are eligible to apply. This grant commonly funds grain drills, no-till planters, flowmeters, manure injection toolbars, and dragline systems. Other equipment may qualify if the applicant can demonstrate how it will help install or improve conservation practices, reduce runoff, or support nutrient management.
Apply by November 1
Farm to Plate Network Gathering
The Annual Farm to Plate Network Gathering will bring together over 300 attendees from across Vermont’s food system. In a time of political and cultural uncertainty, this year's theme, "Keep Calm and Collaborate On," offers a chance to dive into inspiring examples of collaboration and also practice the skills that make collaboration work.
There will be workshops, a robust exhibitor fair, optional activities, meals, and time for connection with colleagues old and new. View the detailed agenda for breakout session descriptions.
Register now
Funds to Support Vermont Fairs and Field Days
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has released the Request for Applications for the 2026 Fairs and Field Days Stipend and Capital Grant.
The Vermont Legislature appropriates funds annually to the Vermont Agricultural Fairs Association to assist fairs and field days with capital improvements and operational costs.
Applications for this grant opportunity will be accepted between October 30 and December 14.
Learn more
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
October
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 application due
11/5 - Working Lands Producer Association and Service Provider Grant application due
11/25 - Local Food for Schools and Child Care CSA Grant application due
December
12/4 - Dairy Farm Modernization and Improvement Grant application due
12/11 - Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant application due
12/14 - Fairs and Field Days Stipend and Capital Grant application due
12/15 - 2025 Drought Impact Survey due
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Copyright © 2025, All rights reserved.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
Our website address is:
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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