{"id":407,"date":"2026-06-26T20:42:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T20:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/?p=407"},"modified":"2026-06-26T20:48:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T20:48:33","slug":"funding-opportunities-for-vermont-vegetable-and-fruit-growers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/funding-opportunities-for-vermont-vegetable-and-fruit-growers\/","title":{"rendered":"Funding Opportunities for Vermont Vegetable and Fruit Growers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provides technical and financial assistance to address resource concerns (e.g. water quality, soil erosion, soil health, wildlife and pollinator habitat). An NRCS planner will meet with you to discuss which conservation practices are a good fit for your farm (e.g. high tunnels, cover crops, mulching, IPM). <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applications accepted year-round- Deadline for 2027 programs TBD. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact your local NRCS service center to apply. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrcs.usda.gov\/state-offices\/vermont\/local-service-centers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nrcs.usda.gov\/state-offices\/vermont\/local-service-centers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Payment varies depending on practices implemented.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/chrome-extension:\/\/efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj\/https:\/\/www.nrcs.usda.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-06\/EQIP-Factsheet%20%282%29.pdf\">Is EQIP Right for Me?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To qualify for CSP, you must already use practices that address resource concerns (e.g. cover cropping, reduced tillage, drip irrigation), then add one or more practices. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minimum payment of $4,000\/year for a 5-year contract.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrcs.usda.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-05\/nrcs-csp-right-for-me-factsheet-012025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Is CSP Right for Me?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Equipment to support water quality on your farm. Successful CEAP applications for vegetable farms include grain drills, precision fertilizer equipment, and flail mowers . <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>90% cost share of up to $50,000 depending on equipment type.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/ceap \">https:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/ceap <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New for 2026! Application opens June 1; Application due by July 15, 2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/ceap\">https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/ceap<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CSP-Assist: Vermont Farmers Ecosystem Stewardship Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Growers applying for the NRCS CSP program can receive an additional one-time payment. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$2000 payment for applying to CSP plus an additional $7500 for a CSP contract.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Funding for this program is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/CSP-Assist\">https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/CSP-Assist<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Farm Agronomic Practices Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Implement soil-based practices that improve soil quality, increase crop production, and reduce erosion and agricultural waste discharges (i.e. cover crops for vegetable farm , rotational grazing for livestock farm) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$40-55\/acre for cover crop ; $15\/acre for no till planting <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deadlines: April 1 (spring and full season cover crops); August 1 (fall cover crops) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/fap\">https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/fap<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAP Agronomic Training Grant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Instructional activity grants to support Vermont farmers and service providers to attend events that further their knowledge of agricultural water quality. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up to $2000 per individual per state fiscal year <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applications must be submitted at least 45 days before the event.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/fap\/training\">https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/fap\/training<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specialty Crop Block Grant <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Projects must be focused on providing direct support to specialty crop businesses through technical assistance, training programs, or tool development <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$15,000 to $35,000, 50% match required <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check back fall 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/grants\/specialtycrop\">https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/grants\/specialtycrop<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Business Enhancement Grant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grant to support your business through projects such as infrastructure development, market development, workforce training and research and development. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$10,000-$50,000, no match required <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check back in fall 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/workinglands.vermont.gov\/grant-contract-opportunities\/business-enhancement-grant\">https:\/\/workinglands.vermont.gov\/grant-contract-opportunities\/business-enhancement-grant<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">State of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development <\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Historic Preservation Barn Grants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Capital building projects for repair and adaptive use of historic agricultural buildings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up to $20,000; 50% match required <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check back in fall 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/accd.vermont.gov\/historic-preservation\/funding\/barn-grants\">https:\/\/accd.vermont.gov\/historic-preservation\/funding\/barn-grants<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation <\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vermont Working Lands Advanced Wood Heating Initiative <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Install or upgrade systems that use locally sourced wood, wood residues, &amp; wood waste <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reimburses up to 50% of project costs up to $25,000 <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grant funds are awarded on a first come, first served basis <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Please contact Molly Willard at Molly.Willard@vermont.gov or 802-261-1681 for questions and to request a grant application . Case study example for <a href=\"http:\/\/chrome-extension:\/\/efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj\/https:\/\/fpr.vermont.gov\/sites\/fpr\/files\/documents\/EVT-Mettowee-Mint-Sell-Sheet-R6.pdf\">Mettowee Mint<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">American Farmland Trust<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brighter Future Fund National Grant for Historically Underserved Farmers <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Projects are funded to improve:  <br>1) Improve farm viability<br>2) Access, transfer, or permanently protect farmland, or <br>3) Adopt regenerative farming practices <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Awards up to $5,000 per project <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Coming summer 2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/farmland.org\/brighterfuture\">https:\/\/farmland.org\/brighterfuture<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Fruit Guys Community Fund<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prioritizes projects that promote sustainable practices and community impact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awards up to $5,000 per project <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check back fall 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/fruitguyscommunityfund.org\/\">https:\/\/fruitguyscommunityfund.org\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Champlain Housing Trust<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vermont Farmworker Housing Repair Loan Program (FWH)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Repairs to improve health and safety of farmworker housing statewide. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continuous enrollment <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forgivable loans of up to $30,000 (0% interest, forgiven over 10 years) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getahome.org\/vermont-farmworker-housing-repair-loan-program\">https:\/\/www.getahome.org\/vermont-farmworker-housing-repair-loan-program<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Farmworker Replacement Housing Loan Program (FWHR)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>-Replacement of existing farmworker housing statewide <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loan of up to $120,000 for the cost of building new housing. First $30,000 is forgivable. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Funding availability is limited. Michael Anthony manthony@getahome.org (802) 810-8217<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA VT)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Funding to support environmental, financial and social resilience on Vermont farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Farmer Resilience Grants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improve long-term resilience of the farm and community. Open to all farms. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up to $5,000 for individual projects and $20,000 for group projects . <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check back December 2026. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nofavt.org\/services-resources\/farmers\/grant-opportunities\/farmer-resilience-grants\">https:\/\/www.nofavt.org\/services-resources\/farmers\/grant-opportunities\/farmer-resilience-grants<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Support long term viability of farm&#8217;s contributing to a resilient agricultural landscape. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$12,000 award <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applications due mid-May (July through October Awards ) <br>Applications due mid-September (November through February Awards)<br>Applications due mid-January for (March through June Awards)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nofavt.org\/vermont-family-farmer-month\"> https:\/\/www.nofavt.org\/vermont-family-farmer-month<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Farmer Emergency Fund<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Supports organic and NOFA-VT member farmers affected by natural and unnatural disasters. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$2,500 grants (NOFA VT members); $5,000 grants (VOF certified farms) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applications accepted on a rolling basis <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nofavt.org\/farmer-emergency-fund\">https:\/\/www.nofavt.org\/farmer-emergency-fund<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Farmer Grant Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grants for farmers to explore new concepts in sustainable agriculture conducted through experiments, surveys, prototypes, on-farm demonstrations or other research and education techniques <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awards typically range from $5,000 to $30,000. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check back in fall 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/northeast.sare.org\/grants\/get-a-grant\/farmer-grant-program\/\">https:\/\/northeast.sare.org\/grants\/get-a-grant\/farmer-grant-program\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USDA Rural Development<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Value Added Producer Grant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Funds activities that generate new products from raw agricultural commodities , create and expand marketing opportunities or increase producer income through enhanced product value <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up to $50,000 (planning grants) or up to $200,000 (working capital needs); 50% match required <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check back winter 2027. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.usda.gov\/programsservices\/businessprograms\/valueaddedproducergrants\">https:\/\/www.rd.usda.gov\/programsservices\/businessprograms\/valueaddedproducergrants<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grant writing assistance available for businesses in <a href=\"https:\/\/vhcb.org\/redi\">https:\/\/vhcb.org\/redi<\/a> Contact Mariah for more info <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vermont Housing and Conservation Board<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VHCB Water Quality Grant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>VHCB Water Quality Grant Grant supporting water quality and long $5,000 to $50,000; 50% match required <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can be used to cost share other state or federal programs (e.g. VAAFMCheck back in fall 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/vhcb.org\/farm\">https:\/\/vhcb.org\/farm<\/a> Applications due forestin January <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vhcb\/farm-forest-viability-grants#waterquality\">https:\/\/vhcb\/farm-forest-viability-grants#waterquality<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vermont Land Trust<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To support projects that exemplify land stewardship, giving back and entrepreneurism <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$5,000 award <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check back winter 2026\/27<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vlt.org\/ericrozendaalaward\/\"> https:\/\/vlt.org\/ericrozendaalaward\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Resources<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.franklincountynrcd.org\/agproducersguide\">Ag Producers Guide<\/a> &#8211; Local, state, and federal technical and financial assistance <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.vermont.gov\/administration\/vaafmnews\">Vermont Agency of Agriculture Newsletters<\/a> (Agriview and The Vermont Ag Bulletin) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vermont Housing and Conservation Board <a href=\"https:\/\/vhcb.org\/viability\">Farm Viability Program<\/a> Business planning help to be prepared for grant opportunities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>This resource was created with support from the Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program from the VAAFM Quality Division.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/files\/2026\/06\/Funding-opportunities-for-Vermont-Vegetable-and-Fruit-Growers-April-2026.pdf\">Download this resource as a PDF<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Please reach out if you want to talk through grant ideas or get help with an application! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Julie Callahan &#8211; help with any type of funding for your farm &#8211; Julie.callahan@uvm.edu <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Rachel Stievater &#8211; help understanding and accessing NRCS programs &#8211; Rachel.Stievater@uvm.edu <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Last updated April 23, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) CSP-Assist: Vermont Farmers Ecosystem Stewardship Program Farm Agronomic Practices Program FAP Agronomic Training Grant Specialty Crop Block Grant Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Business Enhancement Grant State of Vermont Agency &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/funding-opportunities-for-vermont-vegetable-and-fruit-growers\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Funding Opportunities for Vermont Vegetable and Fruit Growers&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10859,"featured_media":412,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-407","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-funding","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10859"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=407"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":415,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407\/revisions\/415"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=407"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/commhort\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}