By Clare Salerno, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
The Fiscal Year 2024 State budget included $150,000 in funds for one-time grants to small farms to support diversification and/or transition activities on the farm. The application portal is open through March 4, 2024 at 11:59 PM. Small farms can apply for grants ranging from $5,000-$15,000. There is no match requirement for this grant.
To qualify as a small farm operation (SFO) for this grant, the farm must meet a minimum of ONE of the following criteria:
- Operate 4 or more acres for farming; OR
- Have filed a 1040(F) Tax Form once in the last 2 years; OR
- Earn an annual gross income of more than $2,000 from the sale of agricultural products
In addition, the farm must NOT be registered as a Permitted Medium Farm Operation (MFO) or Permitted Large Farm Operation (LFO).
Farms within any agricultural sector are eligible. Processing-only operations that do not farm are not eligible.
This grant can cover the costs of equipment, supplies, infrastructure, marketing, research, and/or workforce development costs that relate to the following project categories:
- Diversifying farm products, including continuing with a diversification project that began in the last 5 years
- Transitioning from one form of farming to another, including continuing with a transition that began in the last 5 years
- New processing or scaling of current processing of farm products
- Developing an accessory on-farm business
Projects in any category should demonstrate a proposed plan for diversification or transition that includes potential markets identified for the proposed product. Applicants should also demonstrate that there is potential from the proposed diversification or transition to create additional income for the farm.
Purchases of land or animals are not eligible under this grant. Grant funds cannot cover any expenses incurred prior to grant awards being made, which will occur in April 2024.
For more information and to apply, visit workinglands.vermont.gov/grant-contract-opportunities/small-farm-diversification-grant or contact Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov or 802-917-2637.
