Funding Opportunities: Grants, Loans & Financial Assistance

Upcoming Funding Opportunities and Year-Round Programs

To support strategic investments in businesses, organizations, or individuals who work with farms to support the improvement of water quality across the state of Vermont

Technical and financial assistance for on-farm improvements and structural conservation practices to improve water quality such as manure storage, barnyard runoff collection, laneway development, stream crossings and more

Financial assistance for new or innovative equipment that will aid in the reduction of surface runoff of agricultural wastes to state waters and improve water quality of state waters

Grants reimburse early childhood programs for purchases of community supported agriculture (CSA) shares

To reduce sediment runoff and improve water quality by removing land from agricultural production and establishing vegetative buffers

Funds for dairy processors to acquire specialized equipment to increase milk processing capacity

Service providers are invited to develop cohorts of dairy farmers to address relevant areas of technical assistance in their region

Grants for value-added dairy processors to access professional services to implement marketing tactics, brand improvements, and overall strategy

Funding for modernized dairy product packaging initiatives that prioritize sustainability, scalability, and marketability

Grants for dairy farmers to implement community- and climate-forward production strategies

Grants for dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to improve the safety of dairy products

Funds for farmers to purchase equipment that improves milk storage, handling, and energy efficiency

Grants for dairy processors to position their businesses for long-term success

Grants for capital improvements and operational stipends for fairs and field days that meet statutory requirements

To implement soil based agronomic practices that improve soil and water quality as well as to support educational or instructional activties to improve soil health and water quality

Grants and technical assistance to help schools and early childhood programs develop or expand farm to school and farm to early childhood programs

Grants to help schools, childcare providers and afterschool programs engage with food system issues through youth education and empowerment

Grants to expand capacity and market access for Vermont’s nonprofit food hubs

Technical and financial assistance to create perennial vegetated areas than can be harvested; grassed waterways, filter strips and critical source areas

Grants to help farm and food producers access local institutional markets

Grants to purchase food from local and socially disadvantaged farmers and distribute to underserved communities

Funding assistance for organic producers and handlers of agricultural products who have received organic certification through a USDA-accredited certifying agent

Technical and financial assistance for pasture improvements and livestock exclusion from surface water

Grants for farms to implement food safety practices to meet regulatory and buyer food safety requirements

Grants to enhance the competitiveness of Vermont specialty crops including fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, floriculture, honey, hops, maple, and mushrooms

Grants to strengthen Vermont specialty crop producer associations and benefit specialty crop producers

Grants to help Vermont food and forestry businesses identify, plan, exhibit and sell Vermont products at out-of-state and international trade shows

Funding to support dairy farmers impacted by Horizon Organic contract cancellations

Performance-based payments to Vermont farmers for reductions in phosphorus (P) losses from their agricultural fields

Grants and loans for investments in Vermont's farm, food and forest economies