Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
The 19th Annual Crops and Soils Field Day is July 23 at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh! This event showcases agricultural research conducted by UVM Extension’s Northwest Crops and Soils (NWCS) team, led by Heather Darby. Enjoy a guided tour of Borderview Research Farm, learn about on‑farm research, and connect with the local community.
This year, experience more live demonstrations of cutting‑edge technology and in‑the‑field skills than ever before, including autonomous weeding robots from Greenfield Robotics, precision ag technology, soil health sampling with the Soil Health Research and Extension Center (SHREC) team, forage quality and species selection, hemp and flax research results, and an interactive “taste and texture of fresh vegetables” session.
Cost is $30 per person; farmers attend for free. A BBQ lunch catered by Cold Hollow Catering is included, as well as Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Register online or call the UVM Non‑Credit Registration Office at 802‑656‑8407.
Farm Agronomic Practices Fall Application Open Now
The Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) program provides relatively flexible, easy to access payments to help support the cost of conservation practices. FAP provides $30/acre for manure injection, $55/acre for cover crops planted with any method before October, and $40/acre for cover crops that are drilled or incorporated between October 2 and October 10.
Missed the April 1 deadline for yearlong FAP applications? You have another chance to apply! Fall-practice-only applications for 2026 will be accepted through August 1.
Apply now
Dairy Market Development Proposals
The Vermont Dairy Promotion Council (VDPC) is opening the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for projects to be funded during calendar year 2027. The VDPC provides funds to organizations that support marketing, market development, education, outreach, and consumer-facing activities in support of Vermont dairy farmers and Vermont processed dairy products. Approximately $2 million will be available to award.
A bidder's conference will take place on July 28, and all bids are due September 4.
Learn more
Meet the Maker: Butterfly Bakery
Join Vermont Farm to Plate at Butterfly Bakery on July 22 for a tour highlighting how products move from production to retail. Learn how they contract with Vermont farmers for ingredients, streamline production and distribution, and co-pack high‑quality products for multiple brands. Participants will tour the facility, explore co‑packing relationships, and connect with other producers. Space is limited and the event is free.
Learn more
Wondering what farmers market prices are like lately? In partnership with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and participating Vermont farmers markets, the Vermont Agency for Agriculture, Food and Markets collects and analyzes prices on select categories of agricultural products. In 2026, sixteen farmers markets across the state are already reporting prices of more than 30 plant products and more than 20 animal products.
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
July
7/15 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program application due
7/15 - Vermont Pay for Performance Program application due
August
8/1 - Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) application due
8/13 - Dairy Processor Modernization Grant pre-application due
September
9/4 - Vermont Dairy Promotion Council project proposals 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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