Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Impact Grant pre-applications are open now through January 19th.
There are two types of impact grants: ARPA Primary Producer Impact Grant and the Supply Chain Impact Grant. Both grants can cover market development, research and development, infrastructure, and workforce training and development. Awards range from $50,000-$250,000.
The Supply Chain Impact Grant projects must also either benefit the applicant and additional organizations or enable the applicant to access new or larger markets (for example, product aggregation, co-branding, vertical or horizontal efficiencies). The ARPA Primary Producer Grant is limited to just primary producers of farm or forest products (for example: dairy, livestock for meat, sugaring, logging) that have been in business since before January 2020.
Applicants will be notified in February if their pre-application was accepted for the final applicant round due at the end of March. Final round applicants will be notified in early May.
Applications Open for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
The application is now live for the 2024 VT Specialty Crop Block Grant Program!
Over $200,000 in funds are available to strengthen Vermont’s specialty crop industries and producer associations. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture crops, and nursery crops.
An informational webinar will take place on Tuesday, December 12th at 3pm.
Application deadline: January 14th
Virtual Farm and Food Industry Stakeholder Listening Session
The Agency of Agriculture is hosting in-person and virtual listening sessions for the ag community over the coming months. The goal is to hear directly from producers, processors, and distributors; understand needs, priorities, and concerns; and help inform and guide our programs and future grant opportunities.
The third session will be Monday, December 18th from 12:30-2:00pm on Microsoft Teams. Please register ahead of the session. More events will be announced soon for early 2024.
Learn more and attend a session!
Food Animal Concern Trust
Fund-A-Farmer Grants
The Food Animal Concern Trust awards competitive grants of up to $3,000 to working, independent farmers who raise beef cattle, bison, broiler chickens, dairy cows, ducks, geese, goats, laying hens, pig, sheep, or turkeys.
Grants are available for farmers to improve/expand pasture, pursue animal welfare certification, or maintain an existing welfare certification.
Application deadline: January 15th
Webinar: Business Planning for Agritourism Enterprises
Business planning is critical for any type of enterprise, and agritourism is no exception.
Hosted by Vermont Fresh Network and University of Vermont Extension, this free webinar will provide an overview of business planning for agritourism and share resources and next steps for developing your own plan. Registration is required.
Webinar: December 13th at 1pm
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
12/15 – Agricultural Fair & Field Days Capital Grants and Operational Stipends deadline
12/20 – Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program deadline
1/14 – Specialty Crop Block Grant Program deadline
1/15 – Trade Show Assistance Grants deadline
1/18 – On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant deadline
1/19 – WLEI Supply Chain Impact Grants deadline
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Copyright © 2023, All rights reserved.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
