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WORKING LANDS ENTERPRISE BOARD CELEBRATES FY19 GRANTEES

Program Receives Increased FY20 State Funding

By Lynn Ellen Schimoler, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

Eighteen Vermont working lands businesses and service providers were recognized in June at the annual event celebrating the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI), created by the Legislature in 2012 to stimulate economic development in the agricultural and forestry sectors. Governor Phil Scott and Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Secretary Anson Tebbetts recognized each grantee on the grounds of the Intervale Center in Burlington, also a grantee, to emphasize the importance of working lands businesses to Vermont’s economy and heritage.  

The event also celebrated news that the Working Lands Enterprise Fund budget will increase in Fiscal Year 2020, with the highest ever allocation of $1.594 million, including one time funds specifically focused on the dairy sector. Since its inception in 2012, the Working Lands Enterprise Board has invested over $5.3 million in 184 projects, affecting every county of the state and resulting in more than 500 jobs.

WLEI is a collaborative effort between the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation, and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. WLEB, which finalizes all funding decisions, achieves this goal by making investments across businesses and service providers in critical leverage points which will have the highest return on investment. This initiative supports Vermont entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance to help innovate and grow their business while also creating jobs, building infrastructure and promoting growth in economies and communities of Vermont’s working landscape.   

 For 2019, the Working Lands Enterprise Board deployed $823,000 in grants and contracts to 18 agriculture and forestry businesses and service providers around the state. Part of the strategic plan for this year was the creation of Industry Impact grants for projects ranging from $50,000-$150,000. These projects must impact the supply chain for low grade wood or dairy, two industries determined by the WLEB in need of larger investments to achieve viability.

Businesses (Grants)

Gagnon Lumber. Inc.

                          

$120,000

                      

Rutland

Kirby Mulch Company LLC

$130,000

 

Caledonia

Five Generations Farmstead Creamery

$150,000

 

Orleans

Agricola Farm, LLC

$50,000

 

Addison

Footprint Farm LLC

$14,700

 

Addison

Bread & Butter Farm, LLC

$20,000

 

Chittenden

Rockledge Farm Woodworks

$25,000

 

Windsor

Fisher Brothers Farm

$20,000

 

Chittenden

Ardelia Farm & Co.

$19,910

 

Orleans

Rebop Farm, LLC

$25,000

 

Windham

Beaver Meadow Consulting

$23,600

 

Windsor

Karim Farm and Creamery

$20,000

 

Caledonia

K.J. Pratt Logging and Tree Service LLC

$15,000

 

Chittenden

VAAFM Trade Show Assistance Grants     $30,000             All 14 counties   

Service Providers (Grants)

Vermont Wood Works Council

 

$20,000

 

All 14 counties

UVM Extension

$19,943

 

All 14 counties

Intervale Center

$19,965

 

All 14 counties

Center for Women & Enterprise

$20,000

 

Bennington, Caledonia, Essex, Orleans, Windham

Service Providers (Contract)

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board $80,000                            All 14 counties       

The funding opportunity for Fiscal Year 2020 is scheduled to post on the Working Lands website in the Fall of 2019.

 For questions, please contact:  Lynn Ellen Schimoler by phone, 802-622-4477 or by email LynnEllen.Schimoler@vermont.gov