Vermont of Agriculture Food & Markets It’s been a challenging year, and December was another unpredictable month in Vermont. Winter lights and holiday joy remind us that 2024 is just days away. As we move beyond 2023, we are hoping for a little more stability in our businesses, markets, and weather.
While 2023 may be behind us, many are still reimagining our lives and businesses. The flooding and severe weather continues to play a significant role in Vermont. Many of our farmers face a long recovery because of the staggering losses that occurred this summer, and then in December. While this month’s flooding of fields and farms was more restrained, it added more costs and stress to many of those working the land, with the memory of summer fresh in our minds.
A new year brings a new legislative session. The 2024 Vermont legislative session begins January 3. Recovery will be a major focus. While federal funds may help rebuild much of the state’s infrastructure there will be a significant dollar match needed from Vermont, and there will be fewer dollars for other programs across state government. Vermonters also face pressing issues around property taxes. The Vermont Tax Department predicts that property owners could face steep tax increases. Education spending has accelerated at a rapid pace and short-term Covid-related funds have evaporated from budgets. Education leaders are crafting creative budgets with an eye toward voting; and undoubtedly communities will engage in spirited debates.
The Vermont Legislature is also expected to take up the housing crisis. Vermont’s need for housing dominates many conversations; when units are available, many cannot afford to live in them. This session we encourage farmers and those connected to agriculture to give feedback to lawmakers and the Administration. It cannot be overlooked that farm worker housing, housing for those who make products affordable, housing for those who process farm, field, and forest products is critical to agriculture, and Vermont’s future – we need to be creative – housing is necessary for all employees of agricultural businesses. Many of Vermont’s food manufacturers cannot operate up to capacity because they cannot find enough workers. Housing contributes to workforce development issues.
Land use is separate from housing, but related. Act 250 reform and allowing more on-farm businesses to grow will be part of the debate in the 2024 legislative session. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture will engage farmers and small businesses to lean into these discussions. If we are going to have a working landscape, we need to offer solutions that allow our small businesses to thrive.
Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, tops the Golden Dome of the Statehouse, an ever-present reminder that we are here to serve farmers. The supply of corn, grain, and silage is another impact of the severe weather of 2023. We will be tracking on the feed supply for livestock in Vermont. If you’re having trouble securing feed, or you have feed to offer, please visit our “feed finder” on the Agency’s website. Dozens of businesses are offering feed for sale in this online marketplace. As always, please reach out if you are having trouble securing feed.
Another farm issue is manure management in sub-freezing temperatures. The environmental upset of 2023 has fallen from the headlines, but many farmers are still managing the consequences of flooded lands, rain filled lagoons and continuously saturated fields. These impacts delayed normal manure spreading operations during 2023, which was compounded by the winter spreading ban deadline. The Agency is issuing exemptions to the winter spreading ban to allow sufficient storage for the winter. If you will not have sufficient storage for manure during the winter months, please contact us. We want to be flexible and offer solutions that help farmers while protecting the environment.
Despite formidable challenges, farmers continue to produce the best food in the country for Vermonters, the region, and the nation. The extraordinary work ethic of those in our food system is unmatched. Farmers are creative, hardworking, and more resilient than ever. Let’s do our part to support their work - because they are working hard for us. We hope for a calm and productive 2024, for our farm community and all Vermonters. Farmers, our supporters, and our businesses certainly deserve it. Happy New Year. Here’s to 2024!
See the Agency's 2024 Funding Opportunities
Record Number of Managed VT Honeybee Colonies in 2023
A new report is illuminating the health of the honeybee population in Vermont, with a 43% increase in bees since 2016 emphasizing the care, cultivation and collaboration of beekeepers and officials in the Green Mountain State.
The increase in colony numbers is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Vermont’s beekeepers. VAAFM remains actively engaged in supporting beekeepers through education, outreach, and regulation.
Read the 2023 Apiary Report
USDA Discrimination Financial Assistance Program
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture is extending the deadline for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) to January 13th.
DFAP provides assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA's farm lending prior to January 1st, 2021.
Financial assistance is based on the nature and consequences of the discrimination experienced. Statute caps any single award at $500,000.
Application deadline: January 13th
Overwintering & Post Season Cannabis Workshop
Rural Vermont and the Vermont Growers Association are excited to present their second cannabis workshop collaboration at Old Growth Vermont in Danville on January 6th at 10am.
Join for a 3-hour workshop covering the essentials of overwintering cannabis plants, including propagation, seed saving, and more.
Tickets are $20-$40 sliding scale. Registration is required.
Workshop: January 6th
Reminder: Building Executive Business Skills Program
The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is partnering with the law firm Paul Frank + Collins to provide a "Building Executive Business Skills Program" for Vermont working lands businesses.
The free program will enhance the development of human resources skills for managers, including employment law and compliance, hiring strategies, and management skills that enhance employee performance and retention. Included in the program is an individual site visit and a set of draft policies for a new/existing employee handbook.
New application deadline: January 22nd
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
1/12 - WLEI Small Farm Diversification and Transition Grant opens
1/14 - Specialty Crop Block Grant Program deadline
1/15 - Trade Show Assistance Grants deadline
1/18 - On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant deadline
1/19 - Meat and Produce Agriculture Development Grants open
1/19 - WLEI Supply Chain Impact Grants deadline
1/19 - VHCB Water Quality Grants deadline
2/17 and 2/18 - 2024 NOFA-VT Winter Conference
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets