Agency collaboration with A. Pizzagalli Family Farm Fund once again will assist farm owners with property enhancement and preservation
February 1, 2024 | Montpelier, VT - The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), in partnership with the A. Pizzagalli Family Farm Fund, is proud to announce the opening of the Vermont Barn Painting Project to new applicants for the 2024 painting season. The Vermont Barn Painting Project has been revised as a micro-grant opportunity funded through the A. Pizzagalli Family Farm Fund, reimbursing active farm owners for barn painting projects that they undertake themselves, up to $8000. Despite the difficult weather, the 2023 painting season was successful as a trial run of this model, with four barns painted.
The project will open the application portal on February 1, 2024 and will begin accepting applicants for the 2024 barn painting season then. The application period will close on March 31. Funding is limited so please apply early.
The Vermont Barn Paining Project has been part of the Vermont landscape for years, with Angelo Pizzagalli leading the effort to restore barns to their former glory, through minor repairs and a fresh coat of paint. Mr. Pizzagalli recognized that many of our generational farm families who care for these historic barns may not be able to keep up with the care these large structures often need. In collaboration with a number of different entities since 2010, many barns have been brightened and restored. Now, the program has evolved into the current microgrant format. Along with the Barn Painting Program, the Pizzagalli Family also supports other agricultural grants important to Vermont farmers.
"Our family is pleased to be a part of the effort to keep our important working farms viable and preserved as an integral part of our beautiful landscape for Vermonters and visitors alike to enjoy," said Lisa Pizzagalli of the A. Pizzagalli Family Farm Fund. “The goal of the A. Pizzagalli Family Fund is to support and reward Vermont’s hard working agricultural entrepreneurs, maintain the integrity of barns across the state, and preserve Vermont’s vistas for visitors and Vermonters alike.”
Review the 2023 A. Pizzagalli Family Farm Fund impacts here.
“We are grateful to the Pizzagalli Family for all these programs that help our farmers. These investments are making a difference across Vermont, supporting our family farmers and improving our rural economy. We are fortunate to have these grants,” said Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts.
- To fill out an application, please visit the VAAFM webpage here: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/paintbarn, and follow the guidance.
- See our 2024 Vermont Barn Painting Project promotional video here: https://youtu.be/JWfRAlCQohQ
- For any questions, please contact Scott Waterman at: Scott.Waterman@vermont.gov