Apply Now for the Dairy Processor Modernization Grant

Submitted by tim on Mon, 06/29/2026 - 05:37

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets This grant helps fund the purchase of equipment for dairy processing and packaging to modernize production.

This year’s application process has two stages. Pre-Applications are due by August 13. Successful pre-applicants will then be invited back to submit full applications.

Projects should boost processing capacity for local milk, strengthen business viability, and/or meet consumer demand for regional dairy products.

Projects can focus on improving product quality, increasing production, enhancing efficiency, upgrading existing products, or launching new ones. Having technical assistance from a service provider or business planner will strengthen your application.

Grants may range from $15,000 to $250,000, with a 25% match required. Approximately $1,000,000 is available.

Learn more and apply

Innovative Strategies to Restore Degraded Riparian Forest Buffers

Learn about a restoration project at Shelburne Farms on July 23 where partners are testing innovative strategies to rebuild degraded riparian forest buffers. The tour will highlight efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution, boost pollinator habitat, support Abenaki land access, and strengthen local ecoliteracy.

Learn about findings from a seven‑year pilot studying mycorrhizal fungi and restored polycultures, along with site history, methods, and community collaborations shaping regional restoration work and regenerative agriculture.

Register now

Multi-Species Dairy Grazing

Join UVM Extension and the White River Natural Resources Conservation District for a pasture walk on July 1 at Fern River Farm in Chelsea. Fern River Farm is a small farmstead creamery making fresh and aged cheeses from their own cow and sheep milk. In addition to their grazing dairy herd and flock, they raise sheep and cows on pasture for meat and fiber.

You'll learn about how the farm manages its farmstead creamery and its five grazing groups, the benefits and challenges of multi-species grazing, and the state and federal programs that they’ve worked with to develop their infrastructure.

Register now

USDA Supplemental Disaster Payments to Farmers

USDA has announced expanded support for producers through a second round of Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) payments. Eligible producers with approved applications for 2023–2024 natural disaster losses will receive an additional 35%, raising total payments to a 70% factor.

USDA has also extended the SDRP Stage 1 and Stage 2 deadline from April 30 to August 12, giving producers more time to update applications.

Learn more

Forest Economy Grant Program

The Forest Economy Grant Program offers competitive awards of up to $1 million to strengthen forest‑based businesses across the Northern Border region. Funding supports workforce development, business planning, public infrastructure, community development, and projects that expand markets for wood products.

Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, tribes, and regional entities. Pre‑applications for the next round of funding are due August 18.

Learn more

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

July
7/15 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program application due
7/15 - Vermont Pay for Performance Program application due

August
8/13 - D airy Processor Modernization Grant pre-application due

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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar