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December 10, 2018 / Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets released two Request for Proposals (RFPs) today. VAAFM is pleased to announce the availability of up to $90,000 of funding from these two programs to assist eligible Vermont farmers and food businesses to make upgrades to their operations and improve the sustainability of their businesses. The application period for both grant programs will be open from Monday, January 7th, 2019 until Thursday, January 31st, 2019 at 12:00pm (noon). Awards will range from $2,000 to $5,000.

Childhood best buds, Fairfax natives and culinary entrepreneurs Tyler Stratton and Silas Pollitt are serving much more than just pizza at their new localvore restaurant. They’re serving their community, with delicious food and a gathering place for neighbors, friends and family.

Listen to Vermont's outstanding stewards of the land tell us, in their own words, why they are working hard to protect and improve soil and water quality on their farming operations.

“Reducing mastitis is an opportunity for increased profitability for organic dairy farmers, healthier animals, improved animal welfare, and a better product for consumers ... but to understand and address it, we need to hear from organic dairy farmers!”

Localvore, Inc., a Burlington-based technology and mission-driven media company, has helped connect thousands of local food lovers with deals that both save them money and support local food businesses, who in turn are supporting the farmers and producers in the region. Localvore just launched a new way to save with a mobile app called Localvore Passport. “The Passport” is curated by locals to help food lovers discover new businesses in Vermont and create loyalty so patrons can support their favorite businesses more often while saving money.

Registration is no open for Vermont schools and organizations to sign up a youth team for the upcoming Jr Iron Chef VT competition, taking place on March 16, 2019, at the Champlain Valley Exposition. Up to 70 teams will be accepted. Last year, all team spots filled before the registration deadline, so registrants are encouraged to act soon! Early Bird rates ($130) are available until December 12, and registration closes (regular rate = $150) January 18, 2019.

Over 250 members of the Vermont Farm to Plate Network convened November 1-2, 2018 at the eighth annual Farm to Plate Gathering in Killington where it was announced that local food and beverage consumption in 2017 by Vermonters increased to 12.9 percent, surpassing a 2020 target of 10 percent.

The Vermont Community Loan Fund has announced the second round of SPROUT, a low-interest loan program for emerging working lands entrepreneurs. The financing program was created to meet the capital needs of Vermont farms, food producers and processors, foresters, forest products businesses and others in the start-up and early stages of operations. Loan applications are now being accepted.

Rural Vermont's popular fall raffle returns with three incredible prizes! Tickets available online now and in person at their Annual Meeting on November 5th from 6-9pm at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston. Winners drawn that night - need not be present to win.

For the fourth consecutive year, Green Mountain Farm-to-School is offering $60,000 in coupons for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables to the residents of Essex and Orleans counties enrolled in 3SquaresVT, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).