Join the 18th Annual Tour de Farms | Vermont Business Magazine

Submitted by tim on Mon, 07/27/2026 - 06:56

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The 18th Annual Tour de Farms returns this fall on September 19! This event is a major fundraiser for the Addison County Relocalization Network, Inc. (ACORN), which supports small farm viability and local food access in the southern Champlain Valley. Riders will enjoy panoramic views, beautiful back roads, and an iconic covered bridge while bicycling to farms in Middlebury, Weybridge, Cornwall, and Salisbury.

This year’s route features a scenic 37‑mile adventure through Addison County’s shire town, along with a new 8‑mile family‑friendly option. Participants can celebrate Vermont’s harvest season while pedaling through picturesque farmland, stopping at farms, and enjoying delicious local food and drink from regional vendors. The tour concludes with a festive market hosted in collaboration with the Better Middlebury Partnership.

Registration is capped at 500 riders and sells out each year, making early sign‑up essential for those hoping to join this one‑of‑a‑kind experience. Early bird tickets are on sale through August 20, after which the ticket price will increase.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds. For scholarship or volunteer opportunities, contact [email protected].

Register today

Dairy Processor Modernization Grant

Are you a dairy processor and looking to improve product quality, increase production, enhance efficiency, upgrade processes, or launch new products? This is the program for you! The Dairy Processor Modernization Grant funds special equipment for dairy processing and packaging that will modernize production methods.

Grants may range from $15,000 to $250,000, with approximately $1,000,000 available across two business tiers. This year's application process has two stages, and this pre-application stage closes August 13. Successful pre-applicants will be invited to submit full applications.

Apply now

Tractor Mechanics and Maintenance Workshop

Join a day-long workshop at Rebop Farm on August 14 to learn the basics of tractor maintenance. Learn how to conduct daily fluid checks, explore the components and systems in the engine, and cover how the entire tractor functions, including the hydraulic system, transmission, clutch, and power take-off.

The workshop will also cover tractor maintenance and troubleshooting; this includes a demonstration of an engine oil change. Participants will also look at different types of implements and cover their function and maintenance. Tractor safety will be discussed throughout the day.

Register now

Reading the Farm Landscape to Increase Water Resilience

Managing too much water in some areas and too little in others is an increasing challenge for Vermont farmers. Join a workshop on August 12 at Firefly Farm where farmer Makail Tipton and UVM’s Joshua Faulkner will explain how soils and landscape shape drainage and water‑supply constraints. The session will cover hydrology‑based strategies, soil‑health practices, irrigation efficiencies, and considerations for developing reliable water sources.

Register today

Submit a Proposal for the Farm to Plate Gathering

The Vermont Farm to Plate Gathering is now accepting session proposals from Vermonters working across the food system. This year’s event offers a chance to reflect on progress toward statewide goals while addressing ongoing challenges shaped by recent floods, economic shifts, and lessons from on‑the‑ground work. Proposals grounded in lived experience, research, case studies, and community knowledge are encouraged. The deadline for submissions is August 7.

Learn more

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

August
8/1 - Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program application due
8/13 - D airy Processor Modernization Grant pre-application due

September
9/4 - Vermont Dairy Promotion Council project proposals due

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