Fall Funding Opportunities
There is a tremendous opportunity for the Vermont Maple Industry to access funding through state agencies, the USDA, as well as non-profits committed to improving Vermont’s working landscape. Over the next year, we will share information and resources with you through different articles, links and webinars. Visit us often, bookmark key grant pages, and stay in touch! Watch our September 28th Funding Webinar HERE.
Maple Agricultural Development Grants
This is a one-time funding opportunity from state budget funds, thanks to the Governor’s Commission on the Future of
Agriculture. This grant directors investments to meat, maple, and produce. It includes $543,750 in funding. These grants are for maple producers and processors and have no match requirement. Applications Open October 17th and close November 21st at 11:59 PM.
Awards $15,000–$100,000
General Requirements: Applicants must own or operate a maple production or processing business based in Vermont.
Vermont-based maple processors and distributors are eligible. No requirements for business age, size, or scope.
Ineligible Applicants: Retail only operations, such as grocery stores. Technical service providers or researchers who do not produce or process their own maple product for sale.
**Information Portal is Open!**
**RFA can be found HERE**
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State Grants 101:
First things first, if you have never applied for a grant with VAAFM, you will want to register for access to their web grants portal. You can find their online form here: https://agriculturegrants.vermont.gov/register.do. Registration can take a few days, so it’s best to register ahead of time, in anticipation of future applications.
Each grant program is generally announced with a “Request for Applications” (RFA). While usually a lengthy document, it’s always an important read to understand who is eligible for each program, the associated timelines and the purpose of the funding. These RFAs are shared well in advance of the application deadlines in order to give you time to review them and ask any questions you might have, and still submit your application on time. You can find the annual calendar of funding opportunities on VAAFM’s website: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/grants/calendar.
Agency Contacts:
Madison Berry
Specialty Crop Program Coordinator
Contact for Specialty Crop & Maple ADG
Madison.Berry@vermont.gov
Clare Salerno
Working Lands Program Coordinator
Contact for all Working Lands Grants
Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov
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2023 Flood Resources
Many of us, our friends and neighbors have been impacted by the recent flooding in Vermont. See below for some resources that might be of use to you as you prepare for future weather events, assess damage and request assistance, and look to help others in Vermont who have been affected. The state has a list of frequently asked questions here.
If you have other resources that you'd like us to share on this page, please get in touch with Allison (802-777-2667) or Heather (802-917-2032).
Federal Major Disaster Declaration
President Biden has approved Governor Phil Scott’s request for a major disaster declaration for Vermont to assist individuals and communities recover from historic flooding from July 7-12, 2023. After the declaration was signed the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released a fact sheet for Vermont disaster loans for businesses, that details what may be available and at what interest rates. While the fact sheet includes a lot of information, we know there will be many questions.
The SBA Disaster Team will be opening offices in Vermont to work with businesses through the application process. Businesses should engage with the SBA team PRIOR to submitting an application. It is imperative that applications are fully accurate prior submission, or they will be kicked back.
Vermont's Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) will share more on the location of these in person offices and how people can access them once it is determined next week. General information on how these loans work can be found on the SBA website.
The Governor today also requested that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issue a disaster designation for the State of Vermont to open the availability of low-interest USDA Farm Service Agency emergency loans to farms and farmers.
Preparedness
- Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) offers a variety of online business and individual emergency preparedness tools as well as those specific to floods.
- Register for VT-Alert to receive notifications related to emergency situations.
- Review state road closures using New England 5-1-1 so you can avoid flooded areas.
Assessment & Assistance
- Report damage: Vermonters with damaged homes should report those damages to Vermont 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting https://vermont211.org/. You can also find a list of open shelters through Vermont 211.
- Report sugarbush damage to your local FSA office, including washed out roads within your sugarbush. Click the link to find your local county office.
- Vermont Agency of Ag's website offer information on farm losses and reporting to your local FSA office, including information on USDA's Disaster Assistance Programs and emergency loans from the Vermont Farm Fund.
- UVM Extension recommends that sugar makers clean out any culverts or water bars you might have on your property. See this info sheet for details.
- How to Safely Pump Out Basements (VT Dept of Environmental Conservation)
- Returning to Your Home or Business and Cleaning Up (VT Dept of Health)
- Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance (EPA)
- Boil Water and Do Not Drink Notices (VT Agency of Natural Resources)
- Guidance for Septic and Onsite Wastewater Systems (CDC)
- Drinking Water Guidance (VT Dept of Health)
- The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) has issued guidance for restaurants on reopening after a flood. VDH also released specific guidance related to reopening and operating under a boil water notice. This guidance is part of VDH’s Food and Lodging Program.
- ACCD flood resources for businesses
Pitch In With Assistance
- Sign up on the State's website to volunteer and help your neighbors
- There's a Facebook group called "VT Flooding 2023 Response and Recovery Mutual Aid" that as of 7/17/23 has over 7,000 folks in it. Vermonters who are looking for assistance can post in the group and folks who are looking to volunteer or offer food, lodging or other items and search for unmet needs and opportunities to assist. If you use Facebook, this is an opportunity to see what needs are realtime and show up to support those who need it most.
- Donate to help fund assistance to families, businesses and farms throughout the state. Some suggestions:
- Vermont Flood Response and Recovery Fund 2023, through the Vermont Community Foundation
- Northern New England Red Cross, who is operating shelters and offering assistance throughout the state
- Your local United Way
- Several groups have funds to support affected farmers in Vermont. See below for specific donation links:
- Center for an Agricultural Economy's Vermont Farm Fund
- NOFA-VT Farmer Emergency Fund; select "Farmer Emergency Fund" under "Campaign"
- Intervale Recovery Fund; select "Intervale Recovery Fund" under "how should this donation be directed?"
