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WLEI Celebrates 10 Years

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
Celebrates 10 Years!

In 2012, the Vermont Legislature passed Act 142, creating the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, and the structure for investment of state dollars into agricultural and forestry-based businesses.  

Over the last 10 years, farm and forest businesses from all 14 Vermont counties have accessed $13.6 million from the Working Lands Enterprise Fund (WLEF) and leveraged $22.5 million in matching funds. With growth supported by WLEF grants these farm and forest businesses have generated tens of millions in new economic activity, helped strengthen local supply chains, and invested in the future of Vermont’s working lands. 
 
“Over the last ten years, the Working Lands program has provided critical support to our rural markets and communities across Vermont’s working landscape, which is vital to the health of our state,” said Governor Phil Scott.  “It’s apparent from the numbers that the program is helping grow our rural economy, is helping sustain our working lands heritage and culture, and helping to sustain Vermont’s rural nature, identity, and economy.”
 
In the 10 years of the program, WLEI has funded 418 agriculture and forestry projects. These projects have created 539 new jobs, impacted 24,007 acres, and generated $55,557,487 in sales reported one year from the grant completion date. 
 
“Investing in those who are make their living off the land is growing the Vermont economy. These investments make it more affordable to do business in the Green Mountains while producing products that support our food and forestry economy” says Anson Tebbetts, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets. 
 
The latest WLEI Impact Report details the significant outcomes from the entire 10 years of the program. The program continues to grow, and in FY23 received an increase in annual base funding from $594,000 to $1,000,000. Governor Scott has proposed $4 million in funding for the program in fiscal year 2024.  
 
You can tune in for hearings about WLEI on Tuesday, February 15 from 9-10:30 with the House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry and from 11-12:30 with the Senate Committee on Agriculture.  

 For more updates, follow WLEI on Facebook @vtworkinglands

Learn More About the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
Agricultural Educators Cohort
Apply for the NOFA-VT
Ag Educators Cohort

Are you a farmer interested in connecting with schools and early childhood centers in your community? 

NOFA-VT's Ag Educators Cohort is a peer-to-peer learning opportunity to support farmers hosting field trips and hands-on activities, as well as developing relationships with local classrooms. 

Participants will be matched with a coach in their region to work with during the one-year program. Contact Kayla Strom with questions. 

Applications due February 24th
Reminder: Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

A reminder that applications are open for the Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)!

The SCBGP awards grants for projects that benefit multiple producers of specialty crops, defined in the Farm Bill as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including Christmas trees), floriculture, herbs and spices, medicinal plants, hops, honey, maple syrup, and mushrooms. 

Learn more and apply!

Applications due February 28th
Vermont Cheese Trail

In January, the Michelin Guide posted an article featuring the Vermont Cheese Trail, a map of 45 dairy farms producing some of the world's best cheeses.

The article highlights cheesemakers from every corner of the state, including Jasper Hill Farms, Grafton Village Cheese, Parish Hill Creamery, and more! 

Check out the article and support Vermont cheesemakers by following the trail and planning a visit. 

See the Vermont Cheese Trail

21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge

Food Solutions New England is hosting it's 9th Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge this April. 

Each year, thousands of people join in a shared journey of learning and charting a course of action to dismantle racism in our food system and our world.

By participating, you commit to deepening your understanding of, and willingness to confront, racism for twenty-one consecutive days in April. 
 
Read more about the Challenge

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
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