The Capital Equipment Assistance Program is Accepting Applications

Submitted by tim on Mon, 06/01/2026 - 09:07

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) is a competitive grant program from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. This program funds up to 90% of the purchasing cost of field equipment for water quality improvements on farms. For example, the program often funds equipment for cover cropping, conservation tillage, or innovative manure or wastewater management.

This year, CEAP applications are due July 15. This deadline is several months earlier than prior years.

To apply, applicants will need to:

Respond to a questionnaire on how you will use the equipment and how it will reduce runoff or benefit water quality;
Submit a quote for the requested equipment; and
Fill out an application with basic details about your farm/business and the equipment.

Learn more and apply

Vermont Pay for Performance Program

The Vermont Pay for Performance Program (VPFP) will accept applications for 2026 from June 1–July 15. VPFP provides performance‑based payments to Vermont farms that reduce phosphorus losses using the FarmPREP planning tool. Eligible applicants include farms operating in Vermont that manage crop, hay, or pasture land and maintain an up‑to‑date Nutrient Management Plan. Accepted farms will enter Phase 1: Planning in 2026, with eligible participants advancing to Phase 2: Implementation in 2027. New Phase 1 applications reopen in January 2027.

Learn more and apply

Seek & Savor Agritourism Marketing Campaign

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) has launched Seek & Savor, a new statewide agritourism marketing campaign aimed at helping connect more visitors with Vermont farms, food producers, and on-farm experiences. Join on to this exciting campaign by ensuring your farm experiences and events are listed on VermontVacation.com and by incorporating Seek & Savor materials into your own marketing. VAAFM has developed a free toolkit that includes campaign branding guidelines, downloadable logos, and a stock photo library to support participation.

Join the campaign

Livestock Fencing Workshop

Join UVM Extension on June 23 at Morrill Hall Randolph Commons at Vermont State University for a free, hands‑on fencing workshop led by the regional Gallagher representative. Learn about fence selection, power and grounding, troubleshooting, wire and bracing, and both permanent and temporary systems. The day includes an outdoor demonstration on building an H brace. Space is limited, so register early.

Learn more and register

Equity and Justice Grant Program
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation has announced the opening of its 2026 Vermont Equity & Justice Grant Program, with $300,000 available to support Vermont-based nonprofit organizations addressing racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to organizations with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less. Applications are due August 19.

Learn more and apply

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

June
6/1 - Vermont Day and Harvest New England Day at the Big E application due

July
7/15 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program application due

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