Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Most business owners know how to talk about what they do, but not why it truly matters. The Hidden Brand 10-week workshop is designed to change that. This immersive experience will help you uncover the deeper ideas behind your farm, food, or forest business—your purpose, your voice, and the belief that sets you apart—so you can build a brand that resonates far beyond products and services.
The workshop is offered by Steve Redmond of Rival Brands, a Vermont-based brand strategy business that works with all kinds of Vermont food and beverage businesses.
Across 10 weeks between August and October 2026, you’ll be guided through a powerful framework that brings clarity to your strategy and confidence to your leadership. With live sessions, individual coaching, and a step-by-step workbook series, you won’t just walk away with insights—you’ll walk away with a fully formed brand foundation. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start leading with intention, this is where your brand’s real story begins.
The workshop costs only $129, thanks in part to a grant from the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative. The series runs for 10 consecutive weeks starting in August and ending in October, meeting once a week. Space is limited to 20 participants.
Rural Business Development Grants
The USDA has announced that it is making $27.7 million in grants available through the Rural Business Development Grant Program. This program provides funding for business and community initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation.
Eligible applicants can include rural cooperatives, state government agencies, towns and communities, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized Tribes. Individuals and for-profit businesses or organizations are not eligible to apply. Applications are due June 15 or June 30, depending on the application type.
Learn more
Connect with Global Buyers this August
Vermont companies are invited to participate in Food Export USA’s flagship Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission, taking place August 14, in Albany.
This one-of-a-kind Buyers Mission provides a focused environment for companies to connect with international decision-makers, gain market insight, and take actionable steps toward expanding into new global markets.
With built-in buyer engagement and advance preparation, every conversation is intentional and focused on growth. Early bird registration ends June 12!
Learn more and sign up
Tri-State Dairy Exchange Monthly Webinar
The next free webinar in the Tri-State Dairy Exchange Monthly Webinar Series is coming up on May 27. The topic is next-level crop and nutrient management with Track Tracker Pro tracking and automation.
Speakers include DJ Jirinec, Founder and Managing Member of JP Soft LLC, Jacob Jirinec, Software Engineer at Track Tracker Pro, and Matt Langford, Director of Business Development at Track Tracker Pro.
Register now
The 2026 Farmers Market Season has started and so has price reporting! Each week, participating market managers from up to 16 different farmers markets in Vermont report prices from their market. The price listings for each week (Sunday – Saturday) are compiled into a report posted each Thursday during the growing season. These reports can be accessed as printable PDFs, downloadable spreadsheets, or using our interactive data dashboard to look at historic prices or view by geographic area.
View the reports
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
June
6/1 - Vermont Day and Harvest New England Day at the Big E application 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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