Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) Service Provider & Producer Association Grant is open now through noon on November 5.
This grant is for two types of applicants:
- Service providers, which are organizations that provide business support services to agricultural and forestry businesses.
- Producer associations, which are organizations founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry. Vermont-based producer association groups that represent and promote Vermont agriculture, food, beverage, forest, or fiber products are eligible to apply.
Grant projects should provide direct services to Vermont-based working lands businesses through technical assistance and/or other forms of support. Producer association grant projects can also relate to the development of the association itself.
There are two options for grant awards:
- $10,000 - $75,000 for projects with work plans of 3 to 15 months
- $10,000 - $100,000 for projects with work plans of 24 to 30 months
Applicants have the flexibility to identify the work plan that best suits the proposed project.
There will be an optional applicant webinar on Wednesday, October 1 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The webinar recording and slides will be posted online.
All of Vermont is currently in at least moderate drought with a small pocket of extreme drought. The Drought Task Force, comprised of state, federal, and other institutional partners, is meeting regularly to monitor the situation and develop recommendations for any state response. They have compiled a list of drought-related resources, including information about well failures, reporting drought impacts, and USDA Farm Service Agency programs potentially available to farmers as a result of drought conditions.
View the resources
Join the Northeast Cover Crops Council for a free webinar series focused on cover crops, featuring industry and Extension experts. This series will occur weekly on Wednesdays at noon from October 1 through November 5. During the first webinar on October 1, UVM Extension agronomist Heather Darby will give a presentation on cover crops for forage.
Pre-registration is required. Once registered, you can attend any of the webinars in this series.
Register now
Vermont Feed-Finder Marketplace
Each year, weather creates challenges for farmers, including feed issues for those raising livestock. The Vermont Feed-Finder Marketplace is designed for those looking to buy and/or sell agricultural feed.
This year, an ongoing drought has impacted the entire state, presenting serious challenges to agricultural operations across the spectrum, such as reduced pasture growth, lower corn yields, and crop quality concerns. As the state gathers more information about the drought and potential assistance, we want to ensure you are aware of this resource as you plan for winter and beyond.
View the Feed-Finder
UVM, in collaboration with UNH and UMaine, is holding a conference on high tunnel production in northern New England. The event, titled “Enhance Your Tunnel Vision,” will be held December 10 and 11 in West Lebanon, NH.
This conference is for high tunnel produce growers and agricultural service providers of all experience levels. Come learn how to fine-tune your high tunnel crop production skills and visit the trade show.
Registration is $120 for both days and $90 for each additional person from the same farm.
Learn more and register
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
11/5 - 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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