Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant

Submitted by tim on Mon, 10/13/2025 - 06:45

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center announces a new round of the Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant. This grant program aims to enhance dairy farm systems and support long-term viability.

Eligible projects include modernizing production practices, implementing farm-scale technology and green innovations, transitioning to group calf housing, developing collaborative/cooperative milk production models, and more. Funds can cover specialized equipment, training, and consulting costs.

This grant is open to dairy farmers and farmer groups, in partnership with technical assistance providers, producer associations, or milk buyers. Projects involving service providers or planners will be prioritized.

Awards will range from $15,000 to $100,000 and require a 25% in-kind or cash match. Approximately $750,000 in total funds are available this round.

Applications will be accepted October 14 through December 4, at 2 PM ET.

Learn more

Working Lands Service Provider & Producer Association Grant

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) Service Provider & Producer Association Grant is open through noon on November 5.

This grant is for organizations that provide services to agricultural and forestry businesses and Vermont-based producer association groups that represent Vermont agriculture, food, beverage, forest, or fiber products.

Grant projects should provide direct services to Vermont-based working lands businesses through technical assistance or other forms of support. Grant amounts can range from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on project length.

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Hidden Brand Workshops

Rival Brands of Hinesburg, VT, is offering food, forest, and farming businesses a substantial discount on a branding workshop series called "The Hidden Brand." This series of workshops and coaching sessions, funded by a grant through the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, is designed to help businesses develop and understand brand strategy concepts that will support the BIG IDEA they want their brand to share with the world!

The workshop comes in two formats: a 4-week accelerated program at $49 and a 10-week deep-dive version at $129. Interested businesses must apply. You will be notified if you are accepted, and at that point you can decide whether to claim your spot.

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Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant

Attention Vermont schools and child care programs! There is still time to apply for a Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant.

These grants can be used to start or expand farm to school programs. Farm to school programs sustain relationships with local farmers and producers, enrich the educational experience of students, improve the health of Vermont children, and enhance Vermont’s agricultural economy.

Grants of $10,000 - $30,000 are available with no matching requirement.

Apply by October 29

Local Food for Schools and Child Care CSA Grant Webinar

Join us for a webinar about the new, upcoming Local Food for Schools and Child Care Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Grant. This grant helps Vermont-based early childhood providers increase local food access for children through the purchase of community supported agriculture (CSA) shares. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations located in Vermont and Vermont licensed or registered early childhood education providers.

The webinar will be Thursday, October 16 from 1:00-2:00 PM ET.

Register now

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

October
10/14 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant applicant webinar
10/16 - Local Food for Schools and Child Care CSA Grant webinar
10/29 - Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant application due
10/31 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant application due

November
11/1 - C apital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) application due
11/5 - Working Lands Producer Association and Service Provider Grant application due

December
12/4 - Dairy Farm Modernization & Improvement Grant application due
12/11 - Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant application due

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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar