By Nina Gage, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is pleased to announce that funding is available for farmers in the Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP). Financial assistance is available for new or used innovative equipment that will aid in the reduction of surface runoff to agricultural wastes to State waters, improve water quality of State waters, reduce odors from manure application, separate phosphorus from manure, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, or reduce costs to farmers. Eligible applicants include custom applicators, nonprofit organizations, phosphorus extraction equipment providers, and Vermont farms required to comply with the Required Agricultural Practices.
CEAP is a reimbursement style grant program, which means applicants, once selected for funding, will have to purchase 100% of the equipment and will be reimbursed by the State up to 90% of the actual cost, or up to the corresponding funding cap by category. Please note that shipping/freight fees are not reimbursable costs.
CEAP applications are due by November 1, 2022. Application requirements include completion of the CEAP Application, an applicant questionnaire, and quotes for the requested equipment. Letter/s of support are optional and should add relevant and helpful information about your application if submitted. Please refrain from including letters of support which may clearly be biased. We highly encourage applicants to apply online to ensure a timely receipt of applications. This method of submission also provides applicants with confirmation that their application has been received.
Notification of grant awards will occur by February 1, 2023, and equipment purchase will be required after award notice and before June 1, 2023.
To learn more about the Capital Equipment Assistance Program or to review the application and program details, including application ranking criteria, visit agriculture.vermont.gov/ceap or email AGR.WaterQuality@Vermont.gov. You can also reach out to Agency staff below if you have additional questions:
- Nina Gage | email: Nina.Gage@Vermont.gov | cell: (802) 622-4098
- Sonia Howlett | email: Sonia.Howlett@Vermont.gov | cell: (802) 522-4655
Photo Caption: ESCH 5612 No-Till Grain Drill for cover cropping purchased by CEAP 2022 grant recipient Vosburg Farms in St. Albans, VT. (Photo: Mark Vosburg)