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VCAAP impact report

Submitted by tim on

Tapping Into VCAAP Impact

It was around this time last year that "pivot" became a regular part of our vocabulary. Farms and food businesses across Vermont worked to adapt to supply chain and market disruptions amid uncertainty of how to protect ourselves and our communities from COVID-19. Pandemic pivots came at a cost to businesses, and the Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program (VCAAP) was one of many relief programs set up to help offset expenses and lost revenues due to the public health emergency.

The Vermont Legislature appropriated federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to VCAAP. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets awarded $25.6M of this funding to over 800 eligible agriculture, food, and working lands businesses. We recently published a full VCAAP Impact Report that provides an overview of how the grants were distributed by industry and county.

Read the Report Here
Water Quality Project Assistance

The Agency of Agriculture's Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program provides Vermont farmers with technical and financial assistance to help implement on farm projects that improve state water quality. While BMP applications can be submitted at any time, applications received prior to April 1 will be given priority consideration for assistance in 2021. Applications received after the April 1 deadline will be evaluated in the following year.

Deadline to Apply: April 1
NE Farm to Institution Summit

Register now for the Northeast Farm to Institution Summit, which celebrates and supports the role of institutions as anchors in the food system. The event brings together diverse stakeholders to generate
ideas and connections that advance the ability of the Northeast to support viable farm, food, and sea businesses and healthy, just communities. Anyone interested in transforming the regional food system by mobilizing institutions is welcome to attend.

Event Dates: April 1, 8, 15

NOFA-VT Resilience Grants

Grants of up to $2,500 are available to support farms in promoting organic practices that help build an economically viable, ecologically sound and socially just Vermont agricultural system that benefits all living things. A specific pool of funds is available to address resilience needs in the BIPOC farming community thanks to generous partners at King Arthur Baking Company .

Deadline to Apply: March 31
Free Business Coaching

UVM ​Extension ​Business Specialists are ​available ​to ​work ​one-on-one ​with ​farm, forest and maple businesses ​on ​their ​finances and business planning. ​These 90-minute sessions are designed to be flexible so that the time is spent focusing on the topics that are important to you. Consults can help you gain a better understanding of finances, make more informed decisions, and identify new ways to expand upon existing strengths. Limited appointments available through June.
Source: 3.21.2021. Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. 116 State St. Montpelier