Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Vermont DEC is now accepting applications for a major clean‑energy funding opportunity through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. A total of $5.9 million is available to help replace or repower older diesel vehicles and equipment with all‑electric alternatives, reducing emissions across Vermont’s working landscape.
Eligible equipment includes Class 4–8 trucks, school and transit buses, forklifts over 8,000 lbs, airport ground support equipment, freight switchers, and certain marine engines. This funding may be especially relevant for farms, food producers, food hubs, and distributors operating diesel trucks or heavy equipment.
Eligible applications include federal, state, regional, and municipal agencies; public institutions; and businesses operating vehicles in Vermont at least 80% of the time. Public entities may receive up to 85% of project costs, while private businesses may receive up to 75%.
Applications are due the last day of each month through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.
Vermont Specialty Food Association Annual Meeting
Registration is now open for the Vermont Specialty Food Association (VSFA) Annual Meeting on September 1 at Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden, VT. Each year the VSFA community comes together for a daylong networking and business education event, a valued opportunity for members to connect with each other while learning ways to sustain, grow, and manage their businesses.
And if you're not yet a VSFA member, now is a great oppportunity to join!
Register now
Future-Ready Dairy Farm Tour Series
Join the UVM Extension Dairy Team this week for the next two stops in the Future-Ready Dairy Farm Tour Series, which visits innovative dairy farms across Vermont that are improving efficiency, profitability, and resilience through technology, diversification, and herd and crop management strategies.
The next two stops are at the Rowley family in Milton on July 7 and then Stony Pond Farm in Enosburg Falls on July 9.
Learn more and register
Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program Webinar
Join us for an informational webinar on July 8 to learn about USDA's Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. Rose Wilson will walk through the grant application, eligibility, and tips for making your application competitive. We'll also share information about free grant writing support available through the REDI program. A recording of the webinar will be available.
This grant is for inspected facilities primarily processing cattle. Questions? Contact [email protected]
Register in advance
The Food Finance Portal, administered by the Council of Development Finance Agencies, is a centralized resource designed to connect food system borrowers with potential capital. Whether you are a food business seeking to expand operations or a farmer pursuing equipment or infrastructure financing, the Food Finance Portal facilitates critical connections between entrepreneurs and capital sources.
Simply fill out a short form to get connected with lenders that may be able to support your business.
Learn more
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
July
7/15 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program application due
7/15 - Vermont Pay for Performance Program application due
August
8/13 - Dairy Processor Modernization Grant pre-application due
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
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