Grant program targeting meat and produce infrastructure and equipment projects up to $300,000.
January 5, 2024 | Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) announces a new grant program targeting Vermont meat and/or produce growers and processors which will open for applications on January 19, 2024. The new Meat and Produce Agriculture Development Grants (Meat and Produce ADG) program will award funding between $35,000 and $300,000 with no match requirement. Applications close on February 26, 2024.
This one-time funding is intended to strengthen the viability and resiliency of Vermont operations and businesses performing production and processing activities. Approximately $1,600,000 will be awarded to eligible operations and businesses through a single competitive grant application process. These funds were allocated by the Vermont State Legislature in the 2024 fiscal year budget.
Awards will range from $35,000 - $300,000 with no match requirement. Eligible operations and businesses will be registered in and operate within the state of Vermont and will conduct or be expanding into produce production, processing of produce grown by the same business, raising meat for human consumption, and/or performing slaughter or slaughter-adjacent processing activities. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, infrastructure improvements, equipment and material upgrades, safety and quality improvements, staff and management training, and implementing improved operations management.
Marketing, agritourism, and research projects are not eligible. Non-profit businesses and those producing fiber, hemp, cannabis, growing hydroponically or value-added only processing are not eligible.
All applicants should address one of the following program priorities in their application:
- Climate Resilience: Funds should help operations remain productive and sustainable in the face of climate change or help mitigate environmental impacts of the operation.
- Infrastructure, Efficiency & Capacity: Funds should help business efficiency and market access, focusing on investments in infrastructural, operational and labor efficiencies and intentionally increasing capacity.
- Worker and Food Safety & Product Quality: Funds should address food and worker safety and quality of final products during production and/or processing to ensure adherence to State and federal guidelines and industry standards.
Applications will open on January 19 and are due by Monday, February 26 at 2:00PM.
- For more information visit the Meat and Produce Agriculture Development Grants (Meat and Produce ADG) website. This will include the Request for Application (RFA) and application instructions.
- Interested applicants can register here for an informational webinar on January 16, 2024, from 2:00-3:00PM. The recording will be posted online shortly after.
For questions about the Meat and Produce ADG program or the RFA, contact:
Sarah McIlvennie | sarah.mcilvennie@vermont.gov | 802-261-5866