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Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program: Dairy Assistance

$18.3 Million Awarded to Milk Producers and Dairy Processors

The Vermont State Legislature appropriated Coronavirus Relief Funds in Act 138 (S.351) to establish the Dairy Assistance Application for milk producers and dairy processors. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) made 793 Dairy Assistance awards to businesses that experienced lost revenue or additional expenses related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Dairy Assistance Application closed on November 15, 2020.

Impact

Learn more about the Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program (VCAAP) in the VCAAP Impact Report.

Eligibility

Dairy farmers and dairy processors operating as of March 1, 2020 were eligible to apply for dairy assistance. In addition, milk producers and dairy processors were required to be in good standing with the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (AAFM) and the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR).

Award Limits

Milk producers, if qualified, were eligible for grants to reimburse for demonstrated economic harm up to the following maximum amounts:

  • Small farms received up to $18,300.
  • Certified small farms received up to $34,300.
  • Medium farms received up to $56,000.
  • Large farms received up to $100,000.

Dairy processors, if qualified, were eligible for grants to reimburse for demonstrated economic harm up to the following maximum amounts:

  • Dairy processors that process less than 500 pounds of milk per day received up to $31,000.
  • Dairy processors that process from 500 to 9,999 pounds of milk per day received up to $40,000.
  • Dairy processors that process from 10,000 to 49,999 pounds of milk per day received up to $50,000.
  • Dairy processors that process 50,000 pounds or more of milk per day received up to $60,000.

Contact Us

(802) 828-2430 select #9
AGR.CovidResponse@vermont.gov