Applications Open for 2027 Community Supported Agriculture Grants
Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Applications are now open for the Farm to School Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Grant. The purpose of this grant is to provide local food to early learners through CSA shares. This grant is open to non-profit organizations located in Vermont and licensed or registered early childhood education providers.Ā
To maximize the impact of this grant program, VAAFM is encouraging individual early childhood education providers to partner with other providers on a group application. Non-profit organizations or early childhood education providers can submit applications on behalf of a group of early childhood programs. A letter of commitment is required from each early childhood program that applies or partners on an application. A letter of commitment is also required of every farm partner that would provide CSA shares through the project.Ā
$150,000 is available to award. Award limits apply based on the licensed capacity of each early childhood program involved in a project. Applicants will be notified of decisions in February 2027, with projects occurring from March/April 2027-December 2027.Ā
There will be an optional applicant webinar on Wednesday, October 7 from 11:00 AM ā 12:00 PM for prospective applicants to learn more. The deadline to apply for this funding opportunity is November 12 at 1:59 PM.
Ag & Timber Disaster Assistance Program Opens Oct 26
The Vermont Agriculture & Timber Disaster Assistance Program (VATDAP) will open for applications beginning on Monday, October 26. Agricultural producers, forest landowners and loggers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and/or 2024 are highly encouraged to apply to the program. Applicants can receive up to 95% of demonstrated, unpaid losses or a program cap of $75,000.
Qualifying weather events include late frost (2023), severe storms/flooding, windstorms and mudslides. Eligible losses include damaged infrastructure, market losses from inaccessible markets and from death of mature perennials, costs of returning fields to production (clean-up/restoration) and timber losses. Operations who arenāt sure of their eligibility should contact program staff at [emailĀ protected] or 802-951-5150.
Join UVM Extension and the Franklin and Grand Isle Farmer Watershed Alliance at the Welden Theatre in St. Albans on October 19 and 20, from 6:00ā8:00 PM., for a free screening of The State of Farming.
This new documentary tells the story of Vermont agriculture through the voices of the farmers who live it every day. It offers an honest, first-hand look at the opportunities and challenges shaping farming in Vermont today. From food production and local economies to water quality, environmental stewardship, regulations, and the future of working lands, the documentary explores the vital role agriculture plays in communities across the state.
The film screening will be followed by a discussion and Q+A with a panel of local farmers.Tickets are limited.
Funding for Converting or Replacing Diesel Vehicles & Equipment
Applications are still being accepted for a cleanāenergy funding opportunity designed to help replace or repower older diesel vehicles and equipment with allāelectric alternatives.Funding may be especially relevant for farms, food producers, food hubs, and distributors operating diesel trucks or heavy equipment.
Eligible applicants include federal, state, regional, and municipal agencies; public institutions; and businesses operating vehicles in Vermont at least 80% of the time. Applications are due the last day of each month through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.
Waterfowl Processing Workshop: Muscovy DucksĀ
Join for an on-farm slaughter workshop at Sugar Top Farm, LLC in Hyde Park October 11 from 9:00 AM ā 12:00 PM, featuring Muscovy ducks. The workshop will explore Muscovies as a sustainable protein source for the homestead, offer step-by-step slaughter and butchering instruction and demonstrations, and an opportunity for hands-on learning. If time and interest allow, hosts will lead a farm tour featuring mobile poultry tractors and thriving Muscovy flocks. There will be opportunities for Q&A throughout. Workshop cost is $75.Ā
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
October
10/21 – Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant application due
10/26 – Farm to Institution Market Development Grant application due
November
11/5 – Service Provider & Producer Association Grant application due
11/12 – Farm to School Community Supported Agriculture Grant application due
December
12/10 – Business Enhancement Grant applicationĀ due
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Ā
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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