Apply to Vend in the Vermont Building at the Big E Fair

Submitted by tim on Mon, 01/05/2026 - 03:37

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The application to vend in the Vermont Building at the 2026 Big E fair opens soon! The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets invites Vermont businesses to apply to this exciting opportunity.

The Vermont Building is one of six public market style buildings on the Avenue of the States at the Big E, a 17-day fair and exposition that takes place each September in West Springfield, MA. During this event, which brings in approximately 1.6 million people each year, the Vermont Building hosts a variety of Vermont food and retail businesses that showcase the best of what our state has to offer. The 2026 Big E fair will take place September 18th-October 4th. 

This annual event provides a unique regional marketing opportunity to Vermont businesses. It is among the top five largest fairs in the United States, with daily attendance regularly exceeding 100,000 people, and is the premier event of the year for many vendors. Fairgoers from all over the Northeast come to the Big E looking to find unique products and to get a head start on their holiday shopping. Last year alone, total sales in the Vermont Building exceeded $2 million! 

The application to vend in the Vermont Building will be open from January 16th until March 1st. Visit the Vermont Building webpage to view the Request for Applications or learn more about vending in the Vermont Building. For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Selina Rooney at [email protected].  

View the Request for Applications

Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit Early Bird Registration

Early bird registration is still open for the 2026 Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit!

Join us in Albany, NY for two days focused on innovation, modernization, and finding opportunities at every scale across the dairy sector. Along with engaging workshops, you’ll have time to network, ask questions, and offer your own insights toward what’s working and what’s needed to innovate and strengthen the dairy sector.

The Summit will be on March 10-11th. Save on your ticket when you register by January 16th.

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Join fellow growers for a full day of learning, networking, and a vibrant trade show of 38+ vendors. Hear from experts on marketing, production innovations, farm business strategies, and more.

The deadline to register online is January 12th. Online registration costs $65 per person (includes breakfast and lunch). Registration at the door will be $85 per person (cash or check only).

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If you were planning on submitting an application to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) back in August and missed the window, you're not too late! The deadline to apply for 2026 NRCS conservation programs (EQIP, AMA, CSP, and ACEP) has been extended to January 15th. Contact your local NRCS office to apply. Submitting an application allows you to compete for funding. If selected for funding, you will have an opportunity to accept or decline the offer.

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Building Winter Partnerships that Boost Summer Traffic

Winter is a great time to build partnerships that drive summer traffic to your farm. This month on the blog we share practical tips for connecting with restaurants, inns, farms, and retailers; making smart cold calls; and following up regularly with new partners.

Strong winter networking builds resilient relationships that help farms thrive year-round.

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Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

January
1/21 - Trade Show Assistance Grant application due

March
3/1 - The Big E Vendor application due

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