Food Security in Vermont: Roadmap to 2035 | Vermont Business Magazine

Submitted by tim on Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:47

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

Vermont Farm to Plate has released the The Vermont Food Security Roadmap to 2035.

This new plan charts a path towards ensuring everyone in Vermont has the food they need and that Vermont communities are resilient and climate-ready. To achieve the plan's goal of a food secure Vermont by 2035 the Roadmap prioritizes systems and policy changes over individual-level interventions. It builds on government programs, community innovation, and the shared experiences of Vermonters in recent years. It includes policy recommendations and actions we can take in Vermont to create permanent, equitable food security for all.

"We are on the road to food security in Vermont," said Becka Warren, Farm to Plate Food Security Plan Manager at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. "The State of Vermont can make policy choices that will ensure food security for everyone who lives here."

Together, we can work to ensure that hunger does not exist in Vermont and that everyone has the food they need. If you’re interested in becoming involved in this work, you can sign up for the Food Security in Vermont: Roadmap to 2035 newsletter on the Farm to Plate website. You can also join your local Hunger Council; find out more at the Hunger Free Vermont website. To learn more about implementing this roadmap and to get involved, email [email protected].

Explore the Vermont Food Security Roadmap to 2035

NOFA-VT
Farmer Resilience Grants

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont is offering grants to help farmers improve longer-term resilience on their farms.

Applicants should define how funds will be used to improve resilience on their farm or in their community, with a focus on the social, environmental, and economic impact of the project.

Grants are available for up to $2,500. For questions, please contact Eric Boatti, Farm Resilience Specialist, at [email protected] or (802) 434-7192.

Application deadline: March 3rd

Reminder: Small Farm Diversification and Transition Grant

A reminder that grants are available for small farms seeking to diversify their operation or transition from one form of farming to another.

Small farms can apply for grants ranging from $5,000-$15,000 with no match requirement.

Projects should focus on diversifying farm products, transitioning your farm, processing farm products, or developing an accessory on-farm business.

Application deadline: March 4th

Addison County VAAFM Listening Session

The next listening session hosted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets will take place on Tuesday, February 13th in Middlebury from 5-7pm. The session will provide an opportunity to hear directly from ag producers, processors, distributors, and service providers to help VAAFM better understand their needs.

This event will be co-hosted by the Addison County Relocalization Network. Light snacks will be available, and childcare is provided for children Pre-K age and older. Registration for this event is not required.

Addison County session: Feb. 13th

Growing Your Customer Base With Social Media

When getting started with marketing, it's easy to skip right to setting up social media profiles. Many different platforms make it quick and easy to set up a profile and start sharing within minutes.

While social media can be a powerful tool for marketing your farm, it can also be a wormhole that distracts your potential customers away from your message.

This week on the blog, we go over key strategies to make social media work for you and not the other way around!

Read the full blog

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

2/7 - Bennington County VAAFM Listening Session
2/13 - Addison County VAAFM Listening Session
2/17 and 2/18 - 2024 NOFA-VT Winter Conference
2/22 - Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant deadline
2/22 - Orange and Windsor Counties VAAFM Listening Session
2/26 - Meat and Produce Agriculture Development Grant deadline
3/4 - Small Farm Diversification and Transition Grant deadline
3/17 - Vend in the Vermont Building at the Big E deadline
3/19 - Agricultural Pesticide Applicator Meeting
4/2 and 4/3 - Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Summit
4/9 - Initial Pesticide Certification Meeting

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar