Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Big E, New England’s largest fair, returns to West Springfield, Massachusetts this fall from September 18 – October 4. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is now accepting applications from Vermont businesses to vend on the lawn of the Vermont Building on the Avenue of States during two exciting special events. These events are a great way for Vermont businesses to try out vending at the Big E without a multi-day commitment.
Vermont Day: Saturday, September 26
Celebrate all things Vermont! Vermont Day is one of the most popular days at The Big E, drawing in around 180,000 visitors. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your Vermont-made products to a huge and enthusiastic crowd. We are also actively seeking vendors and artisans who would like to demonstrate their craft. Live demos are a major attraction and help bring your brand to life in an engaging, interactive way.
Harvest New England Day: Friday, October 2
This farmers’ market-style event highlights food and fiber producers from across New England. A perfect way to reach new audiences and gain regional exposure!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this high-traffic, high-visibility event! Applications for both Vermont Day and Harvest New England Day are due June 1.
Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Award
The application is now open for the next round of the Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Awards. Farmers who wish to be considered for the July, August, and September 2026 awards must apply by May 25. Each month, one Vermont farmer receives a $12,000 award to support a project that strengthens farm viability. The program honors farmers whose businesses foster a resilient agricultural landscape while demonstrating environmental stewardship and innovation.
Learn more and apply
Pesticide Applicator Certification Training
Sharpen your pesticide application skills at a two-day training on June 8–9 at Vermont State University in Randolph Center. This course builds on initial certification and offers hands‑on practice with label evaluation, equipment calibration, PPE use, and risk assessment.
Participants may take the Vermont Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Exam on-site and earn 9 CE credits.
Learn more
Spring Ephemerals, Perennials, and Resilient Forestry
Join a workshop at UVM’s Jericho Research Forest on May 5 to explore spring forest ecology and management. The session will begin in the classroom with an introduction to the forest’s history, management goals, and key climate and forest‑health indicators. Participants will then visit several forest sites to identify spring ephemerals, indicator species, and look for signs of ginseng germination from the 2026 planting.
Discussion will focus on forest management and how forest farming—intentional planting of high‑value botanicals—can support long‑term stewardship.
Register today
Exhibit at the Vermont Specialty Food Association Producer Expo
The Vermont Specialty Food Association is hosting their first-ever 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.
Register today
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
June
6/1 - Vermont Day and Harvest New England Day applications due
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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