Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Awards

Submitted by tim on Mon, 03/30/2026 - 04:40

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB) announces 34 awards totaling $1,047,320 to Vermont businesses and organizations in 2026. The award categories are:

Service Provider & Producer Association Grants - $370,000 awarded to 10 businesses and nonprofits. These grants fund service providers and producer associations that work directly with working lands enterprises to support them as they grow, pivot, and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace. In 2026, grants will support apprenticeships for future foresters, farm and forest business advising, a Vermont specialty foods tradeshow, and more.

Business Enhancement Grants - $647,320 awarded to 19 businesses. These grants support farm, forest, and food businesses using Vermont-grown products with market development, infrastructure, equipment costs, and workforce development to advance their businesses. In 2026, grants will support cheese cave improvements, egg washing equipment, new maple taps, a timber-processing forwarding wagon, a sawmill lumber carriage drive, and more.

Trade Show Assistance Grants - $30,000 awarded to five businesses. These grants support agricultural, food, and forestry businesses with exhibiting and selling their products at trade shows targeting out-of-state buyers. These matching grants partially offset the expenses associated with exhibiting at trade shows, which provide excellent opportunities to network with wholesale buyers and expand into new domestic and international markets.

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Build Stronger Farm and Restaurant Relationships

Are you a Vermont farmer or restaurant buyer looking to strengthen your local sourcing relationships? Local Food in Practice: Restaurant & Farm Partnerships is a free statewide event series designed for farmers and restaurant professionals who want to build stronger, more productive working relationships around local food.

Events will run from April through September 2026. They are free to attend, and will address the day-to-day realities of sourcing, pricing, communication, and seasonal planning. Through farm tours, restaurant visits, industry meet-ups, and a live webinar, participants will get a firsthand look at how farm–restaurant partnerships are built and sustained.

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Vermont Specialty Food Association Producer Expo

The Vermont Specialty Food Association is hosting the first-ever VSFA Producer Expo on May 4 in Montpelier, VT — a new business-to-business trade show connecting Vermont producers with buyers, retailers, distributors, chefs, and industry partners.

Producers will showcase their products, connect with buyers, and grow their wholesale business in a Vermont-based, accessible trade show environment. Buyers and industry professionals will discover Vermont-made products, meet producers face-to-face, and take advantage of show-only wholesale pricing and incentives. The event is not open to the public and registration is required.

Register today

Real Organic Project Certification

USDA certified organic farmers are invited to apply for Real Organic Project certification for the 2026 growing season. This no‑cost, add‑on certification recognizes farms that uphold the core principles of organic agriculture through soil‑based growing, strong animal welfare, and ecological stewardship.

Real Organic farms grow in healthy soil rather than hydroponic systems, raise livestock on pasture rather than in confinement, and avoid prohibited herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. The certification looks at the entire operation to honor farmers who are committed to integrity across their whole farm.

Apply by April 15

Business Advising for Farm and Forest Businesses

The Vermont Farm and Forest Viability Program works with farm, forest products, and local food enterprises to navigate the complexities of running a successful business. The program offers in-depth advising with experienced professionals to help you get your business where you want it to be.

Businesses can enroll in the program for support to: increase profitability, improve work-life balance, successfully transition to new enterprises or ownership, find and access new resources and funding, and make strategic business decisions. The program is now accepting new enrollments.

Learn more

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

March
3/30 - Specialty Crop Block Grant application due

April
4/1 - Farm Agronomic Practices Program application due

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