Vermont Business Magazine Dairy processors can now apply for the Dairy Processor Modernization Grant. This $1 million investment aims to strengthen Northeast processing capabilities and respond to consumer demand for regional dairy products.
Offered through the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), this funding will allow dairy processors to purchase specialized equipment to expand capacity, boost efficiency, lower energy consumption, improve existing products, and create new, high-value dairy products for the region.
Funding can be used to upgrade or add specialized dairy processing or packaging equipment that is necessary for business growth and viability. Funding can also be used for activities like training, business planning, hiring professional consultants, marketing, or improving supply chain logistics as long as they directly support the project. Projects that involve assistance from a service provider or business planner will be more competitive.
Grants will range from $15,000 to $250,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Approximately $1,000,000 in total funds are available.
Vermont Coverts Cooperator Training Registration
Vermont Coverts is a peer-to-peer community of landowners, professionals, and others learning from and supporting each other to enhance wildlife habitats through sound forest management. They offer an intensive 3-day Cooperator Training on forest and wildlife habitat management for landowners and other people interested in forest management.
The seminar is free to participants and includes food, lodging, and materials. Apply now for the 2025 Cooperator Training from September 12-14 at Kehoe Conservation Camp in Hydeville.
Apply now
13th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
Save the date for the 13th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival on August 10!
Vermont is a world-class cheese state with an incredibly high number of cheesemakers per capita. You are invited to share their passion for making exceptional cheeses, taste great local foods and beverages, and meet the artisans who make them.
Spend a summer day at the historic Shelburne Farms Breeding Barn celebrating Vermont cheese and making new friends.
Learn more and buy tickets
VT Cold Storage is pleased to announce the opening of a new 2,420 square foot frozen storage facility at its Shoreham location.
This expansion, made possible with support from the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI), significantly increases the company’s capacity to provide palletized, frozen storage to Vermont’s growing food and agricultural economy.
The newly built freezer space adds 48,400 cubic feet of pallet-quantity storage solutions and complements VT Cold Storage’s existing ambient, dry, refrigerated, and controlled-atmosphere storage capabilities.
Learn more
Environmental Benefits Spending Guidance Public Meetings
The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) Civil Rights and Environmental Justice Unit will host three public information meetings this summer to discuss the Environmental Benefits Spending Guidance (EBSG).
Vermont’s Environmental Justice Law from 2022 requires ANR to develop guidance to help Vermont state agencies report on the investments that support communities, especially those most affected by environmental issues.
Comments may be submitted through an online form, by attending a public comment meeting, or through mail.
Learn more
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
July
7/31 - Organic Dairy Promotion Program Grant deadline
August
8/14 - Dairy Processor Modernization Grant deadline
Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to receive future editions straight to your inbox.
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
