Dairy Farm Innovation & Alternative Management Grant

Vermont Business Magazine Between the economy, climate change, changing consumer preferences, and generational transitions, dairy farmers juggle many challenges – but they’re also in a unique position to positively address those challenges through business innovation. The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center is excited to announce $900,000 in funding through the new Dairy Farm Innovation & Alternative Management Grant.

With a focus on climate and community-forward production strategies, this grant offers funds for farmers, producer associations, and technical service providers to implement projects that enhance the resilience of our Northeast regional food system.

Potential grant projects may include:

· Creating new models for collaborative and cooperative milk production

· Increasing new and young farmer engagement

· Developing green technologies

· Improving appropriate farm-scale technologies

· Adopting non-standard animal management practices

· Improving water, waste, and manure management

· Developing alternative business ownership and management models

Open to applicants in 11 Northeast states, the Dairy Farm Innovation Grant supports farmers in taking a whole farm system approach and increasing collaboration across the region.

Awards will range from $15,000 – $75,000 with a 25% match commitment.

View the Full Application
Apps Open for the Community Recovery & Revitalization Program

Applications are open for the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program. $40 million in funding is available for capital improvements/expansions that were delayed due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. 

Priority will be given to BIPOC organizations and applications from non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas until December 29th, at which point all applications will be reviewed. 

There is no deadline, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Apply on the ACCD Website

Are you a QTBIPOC (Queer and Trans Black, Indigenous, People of Color) collective engaged with farmwork and land stewardship in the Northeast?

The QTBIPOC Collective Care Grant is now accepting applications until Dec. 28th. Collectives are able to apply for up to $4000 to support community building, resource distribution and self-determination through land-based work.

Collectives that have a QTBIPOC majority and are based in the Northeast are eligible to apply

Application Deadline: December 28th

Mark your calendars for a discussion on the Future of Food Security with special guest Ira Wallace, sponsored by NOFA-VT. 

Ira Wallace is the worker/owner of the cooperatively managed Southern Seed Exposure and has been helping people in the Southeast get control of their food supply since 1983. 

The free online discussion will cover the importance of food security in today’s world and the saving of seeds to feed your community. 

Registration is required. 

Event: January 10th at 12:00pm

Farm to Plate is seeking input on a Vermont Food Security Plan. 

This survey will take less than five minutes to complete, and your answers will guide the Vermont Food Security Plan moving forward. 

Additionally, filling out the survey will enter you into a drawing for a $25 gift card. 

Please consider completing this short survey between now and December 31st. 

Questions about the survey can be directed to Becca Warren at [email protected] 

Survey Deadline: December 31st 

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov