The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets has released its annual report on the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program investments and impacts.
The purpose of the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program is to help Vermont schools develop farm-to-school programs that will sustain relationships with local farmers and producers, enrich the educational experience of students, improve the health of Vermont children, and enhance Vermont’s agricultural economy. Since 2007, the Agency has awarded 359 farm to school grants, reaching 166 child care programs and over 163 schools and school districts.
In Fiscal Year 2025, $501,382 was awarded across the following grant opportunities:
- Farm to School and Early Childhood Capacity Building Grants
- Farm to School and Early Childhood Capacity Building Coaching and Technical Assistance Program
- Farm to School and Early Childhood Vision Grants
- Northeast Farm to School Institute Implementation Subawards
Learn more about the Farm to School Program impacts and program updates in the FY25 Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program Impact Report.
Image courtesy of Addison Central School District.
Have you owned and operated your farm business for a few years? Are you looking to advance your business skills, define your goals and identify next steps? The Journey Farmer Program is a year-long cohort for participants who are actively farming and selling products, and have a foundation of basic farm financials and record keeping.
Participants are matched with a farmer mentor and can also access climate resilience planning and implementation support. Learning is shaped by the farming interests and goals of the participants, and supports new farmers in advancing their farming and business skills while being a part of a community of fellow beginning farmers and farmer mentors.
Apply by March 23
Agritourism Financing for Vermont Farms
The Vermont Community Loan Fund's Agritourism Loan Program provides low-interest financing that helps farmers and food producers encourage people to visit their farm and/or make agritourism a part of their business model. To qualify, the majority of household income must come from agricultural-related sources.
Loans may be used to enhance the safety or experience of guests on the farm or encourage people to visit the farm. Eligible projects include agritourism infrastructure improvements such as farm stores, parking areas, restrooms, signage, educational facilities, electronic technologies, and enhancements to overall farm aesthetics.
Learn more
Transition and Succession Planning Event
Planning for the future of your business doesn’t have to wait. Join the Vermont Specialty Food Association and the Vermont Employee Ownership Center on March 17 at Barr Hill in Montpelier for an in-person conversation on business transition and succession planning.
This session will explore a range of ownership pathways including employee ownership, family succession, third-party sale, and acquisition. The program will also cover key considerations like valuation, timing, and readiness.
Space is limited, register today
Get Counted in the 2025 Local Food Count
Vermont distributors, food hubs, institutions, restaurants, and retail grocers are invited to participate in the 2025 Local Food Count, a regional effort to measure how much food organizations source locally.
Part of the New England Feeding New England initiative, the Count helps identify purchasing trends and opportunities to strengthen Vermont’s food system. Data collection is open through April 30, and all submissions are confidential and used only in aggregate.
Complete the survey
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
March
3/30 - Specialty Crop Block Grant application 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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