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The Ben and Jerry’s Foundation awards only one multi-year capacity grant to a Vermont-based, statewide non-profit each year. The organization’s work must “resonate with the Foundation’s mission to further social justice, protect the environment, or support family farms and local food systems.”

Taste the flavors of the Upper Valley at the region’s premier local food expo, Flavors of the Valley. The 18th annual Vital Communities event is set for Sunday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hartford High School gymnasium. Attendees sample local foods from more than 45 vendors—including fresh produce, artisan breads, award-winning cheese, tasty jams, hand-crafted sweets and more. It’s the not-to-be-missed event of the year for everyone who loves local food!

Red Wagon Plants is kicking off the growing season with a full event schedule. The expanded 2019 program lineup has offerings for all types of gardeners and cooks and those just curious about getting into the world of plants. From beginner classes on pollinator gardens and cannabis cultivation to “next level” offerings on growing unusual vegetables and four-season perennials, to make-and-take planters and culinary workshops, there is something for everyone. Most workshops are held in the beautiful new educational pavilion and it’s easy to register online.

Call for applications for 2019 Partnership Grant Program. Applications due April 23

Dairy farmers from across Vermont and New England gathered in Burlington Tuesday to discuss the latest news, trends, and economic outlooks for the region’s dairy industry. The 2019 Vermont Dairy Producers Conference (VDPC) was an opportunity for farmers in the Northeast to network, learn, and support each other in working towards success in 2019 and beyond.

Hanover Co-op launches 10-session series aimed at helping farms and food producers. As part of its broader effort to support food production in New England, the Hanover Co-op has launched a low-cost series of workshops aimed at farmers and food producers. Sessions are scheduled for each Friday in March and include presentations by experts in food safety, production and delivery, financing, direct sales, and more. Each workshop is priced at $5, with all proceeds going to local 4-H Clubs.

Vital Communities invites local farms and farm-based businesses to be vendors at Flavors of the Valley on April 7 in Hartford. It’s the not-to-be-missed opportunity for businesses looking to connect directly with consumers who love local food!

Early-bird rates up to 25 percent off are available for vendors who register through February 17. This year Vital Communities is also offering mini-grants to reduce costs for farms and food businesses; registration and application details are online at vitalcommunities.org/flavors.

8TH ANNUAL SPECIALTY CROP & LOCAL FOOD TRADE SHOW IN BOSTON, TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019. The event will offer one-stop shopping for wholesale buyers seeking to expand their offering of local food, including specialty crops, value-added products, meat, dairy and seafood. At this event, buyers will have the unique opportunity to meet 100 local farmers and producers who grow and craft some of New England’s finest foods. Vendor booths are free for specialty crop producers.

Yankee Farm Credit announces organizational enhancements effective January 1, 2019 that will allow continued sustainable growth for the organization, which provides industry specific products and services to the agricultural community in Vermont and parts of New York and New Hampshire.

Vermont Community Garden Network is accepting proposals from existing and newly forming garden groups for projects that support the growth of thriving gardens. Support will be available in the form of small grants, training, and planning support. More information and online application at: http://vcgn.org/what-we-do/thriving-gardens-grant/. Applications due February 28, 2019.