Specialty Crop Producer Association Grants

Overview

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets announces the availability of Specialty Crop Producer Association Grant funds to establish or strengthen producer associations and cooperatives that serve Vermont specialty crop businesses. Vermont specialty crops include fruits; vegetables; tree nuts; honey; hops; maple syrup; mushrooms; culinary herbs and spices; medicinal plants; nursery crops (including Christmas trees); and floriculture. Projects funded through this grant program must benefit more than one specialty crop business, individual, or organization.

Thanks to additional USDA Agriculture Marketing Service funding in 2022 due to a COVID-19 related stimulus bill, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is offering the 2022 Specialty Crop Producer Association Grant in addition to the concurrent Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding opportunity.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants:

• Producer associations, cooperatives, and groups of three or more producers/businesses
• Nonprofit or for-profit service providers that serve producer associations, cooperatives, and groups of three or more producers/businesses

Applicants must describe how their project will benefit and produce measurable outcomes for specialty crop industries rather than a single business, organization, or individual.

How to Apply

1. Download the 2022 Specialty Crop Producer Association Grant - Request for Applications (RFA).
2. Review the WebGrants Application Guide.

If you have not previously registered in WebGrants, complete the registration form. User registrations are approved in 1–2 business days.

1. View the 2022 Vermont SCBGP Information Session Webinar recording below.
2. Submit your application in WebGrants by February 27, 2022 at 11:59 PM.

Information Session