By Laura Ginsburg, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
In 2023, the Vermont legislature passed H.494, providing $6.9 million in relief funding to the organic dairy sector. This grant funding is designed to mitigate the extreme market challenges in 2022, including high feed and input costs. Eligible dairy farmers who timely apply will receive a single payment of $5 per hundredweight of organic milk produced in 2022. The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is responsible for the application process and distribution of funds.
To qualify for this funding, you must meet all the following requirements:
- At the time of application:
- currently shipping milk to a buyer (either organic or conventional) and/or producing and processing your own organic milk
- or identified as a producer who is “on-hold” with the Dairy Section at the Agency and has maintained your cooperative membership and will be shipping milk at the time of application and any related grant payment
- In 2022, you must have shipped organic milk or processed your own organic milk under the requirements of 6 V.S.A. chapter 151 (pasteurized products)
- Be in good standing with the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
To apply, you will need your most recent farm inspection report (for your producer number and BTU number), documentation confirming your 2022 organic production, and a W-9.
Applications are due by October 20, 2023, are only available online, and can be completed on a phone, tablet, or computer. Production documentation and the W-9 can be emailed or sent in hard copy to: Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, Organic Dairy Relief Program, 116 State St., Montpelier, VT 05620-2901
To find out more and submit your application online, visit: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/vermont-organic-dairy-relief-program
Have questions? You are welcome to contact Terry Smith via email terry.smith@vermont.gov or by phone 802-828-5667.