Copy
A black and white dairy cow with a yellow ear tag looks at the camera from inside a barn

Good News for the Northeast Dairy Sector

It’s been a busy few months for Vermont dairy, but there are some bright spots in these turbulent times. The Northeast Dairy Task Force, stimulated by Horizon Organic’s plan to end contracts with dozens of Northeast organic dairy farms, released recommendations that paved the way for a new infusion of dollars.  

Last week, the USDA announced additional funding of $20 million for the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), hosted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. The new funds will build on NE-DBIC's work to advance regional dairy and enable the center to make catalytic investments in processing capacity expansion, on-farm improvements, and technical services for producers. 

Another ray of hope came last week when Organic Valley announced that they are prepared to offer contracts to 80 organic dairy farmers, a majority of those who currently ship their milk to Horizon and would otherwise be unable to market their milk next year. 

We are grateful to all who have stepped forward to help the dairy community. 

Photo: Wright's Dairy Farm, Inc., recipient of 2021 NE-DBIC Marketing & Branding Services Grant
Read the Full Statement from Secretary Tebbetts
Your Legal Toolkit for Starting a Farm

The Conservation Law Foundation's Legal Food Hub hosts a winter webinar: Your Legal Toolkit for Starting a Farm. When you’re starting a farm business, there are lots of important legal issues to consider, from what type of business entity you’ll form to how to protect yourself from liability and plan for the future. This comprehensive webinar will equip farmers with the legal know-how to tackle these key decisions and start off on a strong legal footing.

Webinar: Mar. 6 @ 12 p.m.

The Vermont Legislature has added a program to help dairy farmers with the premium payment for the 2022 USDA Dairy Margin Coverage Program. $2,600,000 will be provided for reimbursement of the Tier 1 level premiums paid by individual dairy farmers in Vermont. The deadline to sign up for Dairy Margin Coverage is March 25.

All interested dairy farmers are encouraged to contact their county USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office as soon as possible.
 

The 2022 Local Food Trade Show of New England is a dynamic virtual space for local food producers and buyers from across our region to connect. Through sales meetings, networking events, and technical support, this event provides food entrepreneurs with opportunities to expand their enterprise, while giving buyers access to the most promising new products. Head to the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts' website to see the schedule of events and learn how you can deepen your connection within the New England food system.
Virtual Trade Show: Mar. 29

Farmers' markets are integral to our thriving local food culture. The annual Vermont Farmers Market Conference offers educational workshops, resource-sharing, and networking for market managers, organizers, vendors, and community members from across the state.

Registration for the two virtual conference days is free for BIPOC and first-year market managers and starts at just $5 for Vermont Farmers' Market Association & NOFA-VT members.

Virtual Conference: Mar. 16 & 23

Maple Open House Weekend is Back for 2 Weekends in 2022
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Facebook
Twitter
Link
Website
Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620

Our website address is:
https://agriculture.vermont.gov

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.