The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) announces the availability of funds through the Organic Dairy Farm Transition Support Grant program, which will provide grants to dairy farmers impacted by contract cancellations from Horizon Organic.
Donor Name: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM)
State: Vermont
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/06/2022
Grant Size: $17,500
Grant Duration: 12 months
Details:
Projects funded through this program will support farm transition costs to ensure compliance with new buyer/processor requirements.
Activities covered by the grant include the purchase and installation of equipment, construction for improved animal health, safety, and efficiency, supplies, and additional technical assistance.
Priority will be given to projects which address some or all of the following priorities:
- Project allows a farm to meet new buyer standards
- Project will provide cost-savings to the farm
- Project improves food safety measures
- Applicant leverages other programs to supplement grant funds (e.g., Farm Service Agency low interest loans for on-farm commodity storage
Funding Information
- Total Available Funds: $200,000
- Minimum: $5,000
- Maximum: $17,500
- Grant periods will range from 6 – 12 months, depending on the project.
Eligible Projects
Project activities under this grant will assist organic dairy farms in meeting requirements from their new buyer.
Projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Driveway modifications
- Animal housing upgrades
- Improvement of farm conditions related to animal and worker safety
- Milk handling and storage upgrades
- Improvement of sanitary conditions for milk handling
- Pasture renovation
- Installation and construction expenses
- Technical assistance regarding milk production, grazing, forage production, or other topics as appropriate
Eligibility Criteria
Vermont organic dairy farmers who received contract terminations from Horizon Organic are the only eligible applicants. While the following are not required to apply, if applicant is awarded, they will need to provide:
- Certificate of Insurance listing the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets as an additional insured
- Current IRS Form W-9
For more information, visit VAAFM.
