By Sonia Howlett, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Interested in learning more about agronomy, soil health, or agricultural water quality? Trying to connect with regional experts on these topics? Eying an event out of state that discusses innovative practices you would like to implement on your farm, but concerned about the expense?
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is pleased to announce the release of Agronomic Training Grants under the Farm Agronomic Practices program. These new, easy-to-access grants support Vermont farmers to attend events or other instructional activities that further their knowledge of agricultural water quality. Eligible events may focus on state or federal agricultural water quality regulations, the impacts of agricultural wastes on water quality, and/or best practices to reduce agricultural impacts to water quality. Attendance at lobbying or advocacy events is ineligible.
Successful applicants will receive reimbursement for up to 100% of travel, registration and housing costs for attending eligible events. Individuals are limited to $2,000.00 in agronomic training funding per state fiscal year through this initiative. Funds are available to support many grantees this year, but all applications and expenses are subject to review by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and
Markets to ensure that they meet eligibility requirements and that costs are reasonable.
Applicants must apply at least 45 days prior to the event. Apply now to request funds for any event attendance planned prior to June 30, 2024!
Learn more and apply at https://agriculture.vermont.gov/fap/training
Image: Agronomic training events give farmers the opportunity to learn about water quality, soil health and climate improvements they can bring back to their farms or the farms they work with.