VAAFM: Showcase your products at Harvest New England Day

Submitted by tim on Mon, 04/10/2023 - 05:20

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets Is your business looking for a fun way to connect with new customers across New England? Apply to sell your products during Harvest New England Day on the lawn of the Vermont Building at the Big E! The Vermont Building is one of six New England buildings on the Avenue of the States at the Big E, a 17-day fair and exposition that will take place September 15 - October 1 in West Springfield, MA.

Harvest New England Day is a single-day, farmers market style event that will take place on Friday, September 29th. This is a great opportunity for businesses who are interested in trying out their product at the Big E without a multi-day commitment. Last year on Harvest New England Day, more than 119,000 people visited the Big E fairgrounds!

There is no fee for participation in this event, but interested businesses must apply to this competitive opportunity by June 1st to be considered. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets seeks to support a diversity of businesses through this event. Priority will go to Vermont-based businesses whose products celebrate the state’s culture and heritage and align with its reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to share your products with a large audience of people eager to experience the quality of Vermont! Please contact Kristen Brassard at [email protected] with questions.

Apply by June 1st!

Farm and Food Workers
Relief Program

The Farm and Food Workers Relief Program is now accepting applications from Vermont farm workers and meatpackers who incurred expenses preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apply today for a one-time $600 relief payment administered by Pasa Sustainable Agriculture. There is no cost to apply, immigration status does not affect your eligibility, and applicant information is confidential. Applications are rolling until funds are exhausted.

Application deadline: Rolling

Conservation Stewardship Program Deadline Approaching Fast!

Apply to the USDA NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)! CSP requires producers to meet certain environmental objectives and commit to five years of enhanced conservation on their land in return for an annual conservation payment from NRCS.

For 2023, VAAFM is offering a supplemental one-time signing payment of $2,000-$9,500 for producers of any size who successfully engage in CSP planning and/or who sign CSP contracts or renewals with NRCS.

Application deadline: April 21st

Rural Development Hubs and the Historic Opportunity for Federal Resources

Federal Funding Opportunities
for Rural Organizations

Join the Aspen Institute for a virtual exchange about how rural organizations can use federal funding opportunities.

Speakers will highlight the importance of working regionally to maximize community assets and share on-the-ground perspectives on how federal resources can lead to greater rural capacity.

The webinar is free, registration is required.

Webinar: April 12th

Dartmouth Meat and Fiber Processing Survey

Meat and Fiber Processing Capacity Survey

Please consider filling out a survey from Dartmouth College assessing meat and fiber processing needs in the Northeast United States.

The survey includes an opportunity to participate in a focus group on processing needs and be entered to win a $50 gift card.

Answers are anonymous and the survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Complete the s urvey

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar