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Celebrate Vermont Open Farm Week:
August 10 - 16th

Celebrate local food and farms during the sixth year of Vermont Open Farm Week 2020! From August 10th - 16th, farms across Vermont are hosting carefully planned events to give everyone a behind-the-scenes look into Vermont's vibrant working agricultural landscape. 

This year, in addition to inherently safe and socially distant on-farm events like picnics and farm trail walks, many farms are also offering virtual tours and farmer-led activities for the public. Opportunities will allow participants to experience a closer look at the farms, plants, and animals that bring your favorite high quality Vermont products to your plate, right from the comfort of your home! 

Choose from 40 farm activities, both in-person and virtual. Cost and registration will vary depending on activities offered, but many events are free.

Photo credit: Ellison Estate Vineyard
Peruse Open Farm Week Activities Here!
ACCD's Economic Recovery Grant Program Expands Eligibility

On Monday, Governor Phil Scott, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Department of Taxes announced expanded eligibility for Economic Recovery Grants for Vermont businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the original eligibility criteria, a business was required to have at least one W-2 employee who was not an owner of that business. Starting, August 3, businesses with at least one W-2 employee - now including those who are an owner - are also eligible and encouraged to apply.

More than $78 million has already been awarded to Vermont businesses but there are still funds available. 

Read the full press release here. 
Applications Now Open: NOFA-VT Farm Beginnings & Journey Farmer Program

Farm Beginnings® is a yearlong program for aspiring and beginning farmers that is designed to help participants launch or grow their farm business. Program offerings include in-depth learning modules with VT farmers and service providers, as well as on farm visits and a mentorship program.  

The Journey Farmer program is largely shaped by the farming interests and goals of the Journey Farmers, and enables new farmers to advance their farming and business skills while being a part of a cohort learning community of other beginning farmers and farmer mentors. 

Both programs are one-year long, beginning in late fall. 

Application deadline: Sept. 14, 2020
FPR Forestry Economy Stabilization Grants Application Now Open

The Governor signed Act 138 on July 2, 2020, including funding and the framework for a Forest Economy Stabilization Grant Program (FESG), to provide $5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds available to qualifying businesses in Vermont's forest economy.

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is working with state agencies and the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) to deliver this program to provide economic relief to forest products businesses experiencing economic harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency. 

Learn more about eligibility and apply at the link above.
Funding Announced by FEMA's COVID-19 Long Term Recovery Task Force

On August 3, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shared a list of funding opportunities available to aid in COVID-19 long term recovery.  These opportunities include grants through the following departments/agencies:
  • Small Business Association
  • Dept. of Agriculture/Food for Progress
  • Dept. of Agriculture/DM-Office of Advocacy and Outreach
  • Dept. of Education
  • W.M. Keck Foundation
  • Dept. of Health & Human Services
  • Farm Credit East
  • Cigna Corporation
  • Indian Lands Tribal Foundation
  • Common Counsel Foundation and Native Americans in Philanthropy

 
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620

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

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