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Funding from the Thompson Trust and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to help build resilience in Brattleboro schools.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) welcomes applications for the 2019 Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This funding opportunity will provide awards for projects that strengthen Vermont specialty crop industries. Awarded projects will enhance the competitiveness of Vermont specialty crops defined as: fruits and tree nuts; vegetables; culinary herbs, spices, medicinal plants; nursery, floriculture, horticulture, Christmas trees; honey, hops, maple syrup; and mushrooms.

The partial federal government shutdown is putting thousands of Vermonters at risk of hunger, and some who receive 3SquaresVT (known nationally as SNAP) need to take immediate action in order to receive their food benefits for February. With the end of the shutdown still uncertain, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), one of the federal agencies impacted by the shutdown, has announced its plan to temporarily fund SNAP by issuing February benefits early. States have until January 20th to request and implement an early issuance of SNAP benefits for February.

The application period is now open for Vermont Produce Safety Improvement Grants from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

The Vermont Fresh Network’s 23rd Annual Meeting combines panel discussions with networking opportunities connecting farmers, food producers, distributors, chefs, and other culinary professionals. The day is also open to any members of the public interested in looking at the future of food in Vermont through the intersection of our chefs and farmers. This event will take place on Monday, January 28th at the UVM Alumni House in Burlington. Registration is required and available online at www.vermontfresh.net.

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.