Working Lands Grants & Public Meetings for Ag Community

Passing this on from the VT Agency of Agriculture,, Food, and Markets. I know the timing is tough for apple and grape growers, but it may be good to have a seat at the table.

Public Input Meetings for Agriculture

There are upcoming opportunities on 9/13 and 9/14 to make your voice heard on issues impacting the future of Vermont agriculture:

· Future of Agriculture Public Meeting

  • Monday 9/13, 6-8 pm on Zoom – Register Here
  • The Governor’s Commission on the Future of Agriculture is seeking ideas and recommendations from stakeholders about how State-level actions can help support food access, a robust local food system, business viability, the next generation of famers, the Vermont brand, and inclusion, diversity, and accessibility of Vermont agriculture.

· VT Climate Council Stakeholder Meeting

  • Tuesday, 9/14, 6-8 pm on Zoom – Register Here
  • This meeting is for farmers to learn and provide feedback about the proposed climate mitigation pathways, strategies and actions for agriculture in the Vermont Climate Action Plan. The Agriculture & Ecosystem Subcommittee of the Vermont Climate Council is seeking input on the following questions:
    • Is the subcommittee on the right track with their approaches?
    • What key strategies or ideas are they missing?
    • What two or three strategies or ideas are of concern or worry to you?
    • How would you improve them to address you concerns?

Grants Opening Soon – Working Lands Enterprise Fund

Applications for Standard Business Grants will be accepted between September 21 and November 1. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 for projects such as:

  • Infrastructure improvements
  • Market development, marketing plans, and sales strategy development
  • Enhancing production and/or manufacturing efficiencies
  • Research and development

Produce farms have been funded in the past for projects related to cold storage, delivery vehicles, tunnels, wash/pack, solar installation, retail, irrigation, on-farm composting, and more.

Additional Working Lands funding opportunities include:

Wishing you the best for the fall harvest season,

Ollie Cultrara (they/them)

Produce Program Outreach & Education Coordinator

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets | 94 Harvest Lane, Williston, VT 05495

Cell: (802) 461-5128 | ollie.cultrara

agriculture.vermont.gov/produceprogram