New deadline for Vermont farmer award

VLT accepting applications for 2024 Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award till end February 

 Applications for the 2024 Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award are being accepted under a new timeline, the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) announced today. Applications opened on November 15 and will close on February 29, 2024.  

This is a change from past years when the award application cycle ran from January 1 through June 30. Farmers can learn more and apply online at vlt.org/eric. 

“We hope the new winter deadline of end February makes it easier for farmers to apply for the award, as their schedules get increasingly full later in the year,” said VLT Farmland Access Director Maggie Donin, who helps manage the award.  

The Rozendaal Award was created to honor the life and legacy of Eric Rozendaal, a thoughtful and enterprising farmer. Known to many as the face of Rockville Market Farm in Starksboro, Eric built community with those around him.  

After Eric passed away in 2018, his family and friends raised funds to create an award in his memory, which is now managed by VLT. 

The first Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award was given in 2019 and the award will be given annually, through 2028.  

Past recipients include Kara and Ryan Fitzbeauchamp of Evening Song Farm in Shrewsbury, Jennifer Rodriguez of Triple J. Pastures in Irasburg, Christine Bourque of Blue Heron Farm in Grand Isle, Amanda Andrews of Tamarack Hollow Farm in Plainfield, Tom Gilbert of Black Dirt Farm in Stannard and Corie Pierce of Bread & Butter Farm in Shelburne and South Burlington.   

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About the Vermont Land Trust 

Rooted in Vermont since 1977, the Vermont Land Trust unites land and lives for the enduring benefit of people and the place we share. We have protected more than 630,000 acres of land and foster life-long connections to farms, forests, and community spaces that define Vermont. For more information, visit www.vlt.org