Farm to Institution Market Development Grant

Submitted by tim on Mon, 09/16/2024 - 05:35

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is now accepting applications for the Farm to Institution Market Development Grant.

This grant connects farms to institutional market opportunities to help grow their agricultural businesses while increasing local food access for Vermonters. Important institutional markets for farms include schools, early childhood programs, hospitals, colleges, prisons, and nursing homes.

Grant projects will increase sales for at least one local farm and will increase the amount of local food served at Vermont institutions. Vermont farm or food businesses, Vermont producer associations, and supply chain facilitators (non-profits, economic development authorities, food hubs, food brokers, etc.) are eligible to apply. Awards will range between $10,000 and $30,000.

Register for an optional applicant webinar for prospective grant applicants on Thursday, September 26th to learn more. If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call 802-585-6225.

Apply by October 23rd

Funding for Businesses Impacted by Flooding

The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) provides funding to businesses, nonprofits, landlords, and farms that suffered physical damage from flooding and severe storms.

Learn more about applications for agricultural operations on the BEGAP for Agriculture Operations webpage.

If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets at 802-828-2430 and press 0.

Apply by November 15th

RFSI Equipment-only Grant
Closing Soon

Don't miss your chance to apply for grant funds to support specialized equipment purchases that will strengthen the middle of the food supply chain in Vermont.

The RFSI Equipment Grant can fund eligible equipment purchases that help Vermont farms and food businesses to increase market access, diversify product offerings, and/or increase production quantities.

Awards will range from $30,000 to $100,000, with no match commitment.

Apply by October 1st

Workshops for Maple Producers

Calling all maple producers! This fall the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District is hosting a four-part educational workshop series specifically for maple producers.

These free workshops will cover topics on economic viability, forest management, organic certification, and water quality as they specifically pertain to maple operations. Each workshop will feature a guest speaker followed by a facilitated discussion about participants’ questions, challenges, and plans for land stewardship. Join for just one or all four!

Learn more & register

Transition to Organic Mentorship

NOFA-VT is recruiting mentors and mentees for a yearlong, structured peer-to-peer mentorship program focused on organic practices and certification.

Producers will receive one-on-one support, set their own goals, visit each other’s operations, ask their burning questions, and be set up for success in their organic certification journey.

The mentorship will begin in December. Sign up to be a paid mentor or to be paired with a mentor (mentees receive a stipend).

Learn more

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

September
9/26 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant applicant webinar

October
10/1 - RFSI Equipment-only Grant deadline
10/23 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant deadline
10/31 - Innovation in Dairy Processing & Packing Grant deadline

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