The Vermont State Legislature appropriated Coronavirus Relief Funds for the Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program (VCAAP) in Act 138 (S.351), Act 137 (H. 966), Act 120 (H.961), and Act 154 (H.969). The purpose of these grants was to stabilize agricultural businesses and organizations based on their lost revenues and expenses related to business interruption caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets awarded 1,136 VCAAP grants totaling $25.6 million to eligible farmers, meat and poultry processors, commercial slaughterhouses, farmers' markets, value-added food product businesses, forest products businesses, producer associations, dairy producers and processors, agricultural fairs, and farm to school programs run by schools and child care providers. The program is no longer accepting applications.
Federal Financial Assistance
For information about federal financial assistance for businesses, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide to Coronavirus Relief Options and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Assistance for Farmers. The SBA Vermont District Office also offers weekly Paycheck Protection Program webinars.
Impact
Learn more about the Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program (VCAAP) in the VCAAP Impact Report.