The harvest is here across the Green Mountains. But it did not arrive without many challenges including another round of severe weather. It was another wild summer for many working to feed us. The floods that hit many regions of Vermont during July will have lasting impacts across agriculture. To help cover some of the economic losses, Governor Scott and the legislature launched the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program or (BEGAP) program. This program is for businesses, nonprofits, landlords, and farms that suffered physical damage from flooding. It is available for properties damaged in 2024.
Working with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development the BEGAP program works to “rebuild, reopen, and bring people back to work.” Farmers who sustained damages this year should look at this program. It could help cover some of your losses. It will not cover all the losses, but it will help cover some of economic harm.
Here a few of the details:
Applications are due November 15, 2024, for properties affected by the 2024 floods. Grants will cover 30% of net uncovered damages, up to $100,000. These grants are first come-first served so please look at the requirements for funding to see if you are eligible. You can find more information on our website, https://agriculture.vermont.gov/business-emergency-gap-assistance-program-begap
If you need help with an application, we do have support. We understand these applications can be challenging to complete. All applicants seeking assistance in preparing to submit this grant application can receive help from the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation. They have an online form https://www.centralvermont.org/begap-support to request help. If you would prefer, they can be reached by phone at 802-223-4654.
If agricultural businesses have questions, you can email the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets at agr.floodresponse@vermont.gov or call 802-828-2430, press Option 0.
If you know someone who is a non-English speaker and needs translation assistance, please email ACCD.BizFloodGrant@Vermont.gov to be connected with state-contracted translation and interpretation services.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions. As we enter stick season and winter, we will continue to work on programs that offer support to the farm community. Let’s hope winter is kind to all of us after a difficult summer of 2024.
Anson Tebbetts
Secretary