Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Do you operate a farm or forestry business or a food business that uses Vermont-grown products? Or are you a producer association or service provider that works with these businesses? Are you looking for funds for equipment, infrastructure, marketing, research, or workforce development? If so, consider applying for a Working Lands Enterprise Initiative grant!
A total of $1 million in grants is available. These awards are intended for projects that will begin in spring 2026. Except where noted, most projects are expected to be completed within one year. No matching funds are required for these grants. Because funds are limited and these grants are very competitive, you should apply for the minimum amount needed for a project.
The following grants will be available this fall:
Service Provider & Producer Association Grant
- Eligible applicants: organizations that provide services to farm and forest businesses; non-profit associations of farm, forest, or local food businesses
- Application window: September 19 – November 6
Business Enhancement Grant
- Eligible applicants: farms growing food or fiber products; maple sugarmakers; primary/secondary forestry businesses, including logging, sawmill, and wood manufacturers; food businesses using ingredients grown in VT
- Application window: October 17 – December 11
Vermont Family Farmer of the Month
NOFA-VT's Vermont Family Farmer of the Month program makes a financial award of up to $12,000 to a Vermont farmer each month for a project that will improve the viability of their farm.
The award recognizes farmers whose businesses are contributing to a resilient agricultural landscape and demonstrate environmental stewardship and innovation. To be eligible, either the farmer or their farm must be a NOFA-VT member or a certified Vermont Organic Farm.
The deadline to apply for consideration for the November, December, January, and February awards is September 22.
Learn more
Piloting Rewards for Ecosystem Services
American Farmland Trust is piloting a program designed to compensate farmers for their contributions to carbon sequestration and emissions reductions.
The Piloting Rewards for Ecosystem Services (PRES) pays participants for the modeled emissions reductions associated with the implementation of agroforestry and conservation practices.
Livestock farmers located in Bennington, Caledonia, Essex, Orange, Windham, and Windsor counties, as well as in select counties of other New England states, are eligible to participate.
Apply by September 26
Marketing Technical Assistance
NOFA-VT has funding to provide marketing assistance for farmers who sell through at least one direct-to-consumer market channel.
This assistance is designed to meet farmers' marketing needs and can take many forms such as creation or revision of marketing plans, website updates, implementation of online ordering systems, brand development, creation or revision of messaging and storytelling, or analysis of cost of sales by market channel and pricing strategy.
If you'd like to apply or if you have any questions, please contact Bill Cavanaugh at [email protected] or (802) 434-7154.
Apply now
Vermont Disaster Recovery Loan Fund
Vermont businesses and organizations can now apply for loans of up to $100,000 for disaster recovery.
The new Disaster Recovery Loan Fund, administered by the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), provides financial assistance to Vermont businesses; working lands enterprises including farms, logging operations, and sawmills; and not-for-profit organizations to recover from damage caused by disasters.
Proceeds may be used to repair or replace damaged property and/or inventory, as well as relieve economic injury by replenishing working capital.
Learn more
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
September
9/9 - Farm to School Service Provider Grant Applicant Webinar
9/17 - Farm to School 101: An Overview of Current Funding Opportunities Webinar
October
10/6 - Farm to School Service Provider Grant application due
November
11/1 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) application due
11/6 - Working Lands Producer Association and Service Provider Grant application due
December
12/11 - Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant application due
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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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