Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant is intended to help Vermont-based early childhood providers and Vermont schools build and strengthen farm to school or farm to early childhood programs. Specifically, the grant is designed to support programs that are integrated throughout the classroom, the cafeteria, and the community – the 3 C’s of farm to school.
This grant is open to licensed or registered early childhood education providers; K-12 public schools, supervisory unions, and school districts; and independent schools participating in any federal child nutrition programs.
Applications will be accepted through October 29. Grants can range from $10,000 to $30,000, and no matching funds are required. Applicants will be notified of decisions in January 2026, with projects beginning in March 2026.
There will be an optional applicant webinar on October 2 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM for prospective applicants to learn more about this opportunity.
Farm to Institution Market Development Grant
The Request for Applications (RFA) is now available for the Farm to Institution Market Development Grant! Vermont farm or food businesses, producer associations, and supply chain facilitators can apply for up to $30,000 for projects that connect farms to institutional market opportunities at schools, early childhood programs, hospitals, colleges, prisons, nursing homes, and more. Funded projects will increase sales for at least one local farm and will increase the quantity of local food served at Vermont institutions.
Applications will be accepted from September 30 to October 31.
Read the RFA
Medicinal Herb Production Workshop
Join the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association (VVBGA) and UVM Extension at Hillside Botanicals on September 23 for a workshop on organic medicinal herb production and processing.
Topics to be covered include crop selection, production practices, post-harvest processing and related infrastructure, market development, and value-added enterprises for herbal products. Attendees will also learn about a new herb-growers initiative aimed at strengthening the network of herb growers and buyers in the state.
No registration is required.
Learn more
Driving Efficiency in Dairy & Exploring the Irish Experience
Join a free workshop on October 1 in Addison, VT featuring Dr. Padraig French, the Head of Livestock Systems and the Dairy Enterprise Leader of Teagasc (Ireland's version of the USDA).
This workshop will feature an in-depth presentation and discussion led by Dr. Padraig French and will highlight the critical success factors for Irish dairy, which include pasture utilization, labor efficiency, and managing for seasonal calving. The discussion will explore ways that U.S. dairy farmers can use Irish dairy techniques to become more profitable with grass farming.
Register now
New England Regenerative Livestock Farming Grants
This grant, offered by the Brighter Future Fund, provides funds to livestock farmers in select counties in New England for the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.
Applicants can request up to $10,000 to support field-based conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and pollinator habitat. This grant will only fund existing livestock operations and cannot fund start-up livestock operations. Farms in the following Vermont counties are eligible to apply: Essex, Caledonia, Orange, Windsor, Windham, and Bennington.
Apply now
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
October
10/6 - Farm to School Service Provider Grant application due
10/29 Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant application due
10/31 Farm to Institution Market Development 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