The Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP), administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, provides financial assistance for farms to purchase equipment that will provide improvements to water quality on their farm.
Eligible equipment purchases will:
- aid in the reduction of surface runoff of agricultural wastes;
- improve water quality;
- reduce odors from manure application;
- separate phosphorus from manure;
- mitigate greenhouse gases; and/or
- reduce costs to farmers when they apply manure.
Successful applicants will show how their requested equipment will increase or improve their utilization of conservation practices or otherwise reduce runoff on their farm.
The maximum award amount for this competitive grant is between $25,000 - $100,000, depending on the type of equipment and applicant. There is a 10% match requirement.
Join an informational webinar for interested applicants on Wednesday, October 16th at 1pm to learn more about the program and application process and ask questions.
Apply for the Farm to Institution Market Development Grant
Grant funds are available for projects that will increase sales for at least one local farm and will increase the amount of local food served at Vermont institutions, such as schools, early childhood programs, hospitals, colleges, prisons, etc.
Vermont farms, food businesses, producer groups or associations, and supply chain facilitators (non-profits, economic development authorities, food hubs, food brokers, etc.) are eligible to apply. Award sizes will range between $10,000 and $30,000.
Email [email protected] or call 802-585-6225 with any questions about this grant.
Apply by October 23rd
Working Lands Enterprise Board Seeks Dairy Farmer
Are you a dairy farmer who wants to support your industry and community? Consider joining the Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB)!
WLEB is responsible for stewarding the Working Lands Enterprise Fund, which grants $1,000,000 annually to farm and forest businesses and service providers. The board is made up of private sector members throughout the supply chains of agriculture and forestry, and staff from state agencies and nonprofit organizations. The dairy farmer seat is open to anyone who is currently milking cows, goats, or sheep and feels they can represent the Vermont dairy industry.
Learn more
Calling All VT Beef Producers and Organic Dairy Farmers
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is trying to expand participation in the beef and organic dairy price discovery and reporting programs. VAAFM collects data from numerous producers throughout the state, anonymizes it, and publishes regular price reports for the benefit of consumers and producers.
VAAFM is offering a one-time incentive payment of $100 for any beef or organic dairy producer who signs up to participate in these programs. This incentive payment is on top of the per-submission stipend also offered to participants.
To sign up, fill out the survey specific to your industry by midnight September 30th. Submissions received after the deadline will not be eligible for the incentive payment.
Organic Dairy Sign Up Survey
Funding for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Improvements
Farmers can access grant funds and guaranteed loans for installing renewable energy systems or making energy efficiency improvements on their farms through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
REAP grants can reimburse up to 50% of project costs, up to $500,000. Applications for energy efficiency improvements (versus installing renewable energy systems) must include an approved energy audit report.
Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis. The next application deadline is December 30th.
Vermont farmers are eligible to receive free grant writing support for this program through Farm Credit East. To learn more about this option, contact [email protected].
Learn more
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
October
10/1 - RFSI Equipment-only Grant deadline
10/16 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program applicant webinar
10/23 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant deadline
10/31 - Innovation in Dairy Processing & Packing Grant deadline
November
11/1 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program deadline
11/7 - Service Provider & Producer Association Grant deadline
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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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