Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM)

1. Apply for EQIP-Assist when the farmer has ranked out for an EQIP Contract.
2. Apply for Technical Assistance as soon as a water quality concern is identified or a need for permitting or variance assistance arises.
3. Apply to the Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program annually by April 1st for design services and funding of conservation practice.
All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications for the Farmstead BMP Program received after April 1st will be rolled into the next year's applicant pool.
Prior to applying please read the important information below:
- BMP projects are only eligible for State cost share dollars if the they meet the design standards and specifications established by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or are designed and certified by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Vermont and are equivalent to the federal performance standards and specifications.
- Applying does not ensure an award.
- Grant agreements must be in place prior to the start of construction.
- Farmer is responsible for financing the project during construction and receives reimbursement upon certified project completion.
- Final cost share payment is determined by actual project costs as documented by itemized invoices.
- Farmer’s equipment and labor costs are eligible for reimbursement.

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Ellen Friedrich 

Emma Redel

The Agricultural Engineering Section assist farmers&#x2004;with on-farm improvements designed to abate non-point source agricultural waste discharges into the waters of the state of Vermont. It is our mission to assist Vermont farmers to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance in a way that is viable for the operation of the farm and of benefit to water quality by providing technical assistance, project management and financial assistance. The section administers three programs to assist farmers:

1. The EQIP-Assist Program is an opportunity for farmers with NRCS EQIP contracts to receive additional cost share on the practices installed as part of the EQIP contract.

2. The Technical Assistance Program is available to provide water quality compliance consultations, state permitting assistance or variance assistance.

3. The Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program provides engineering services on a priority basis for the design of BMPs at no cost to the farmer and can cost share on the construction of eligible practices.



The Agricultural Engineering Section assist farmers with on-farm improvements designed to abate non-point source agricultural waste discharges into the waters of the state of Vermont. It is our mission to assist Vermont farmers to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance in a way that is viable for the operation of the farm and of benefit to water quality by providing technical assistance, project management and financial assistance. The section administers three programs to assist farmers:
1. The EQIP-Assist Program is an opportunity for farmers with NRCS EQIP contracts to receive additional cost share on the practices installed as part of the EQIP contract.
2. The Technical Assistance Program is available to provide water quality compliance consultations, state permitting assistance or variance assistance.
3. The Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program provides engineering services on a priority basis for the design of BMPs at no cost to the farmer and can cost share on the construction of eligible practices.

The Agricultural Engineering Section provides Technical and Financial Assistance (TA & FA) pursuant to 6 V.S.A. §§ 4820 -4826. Farms required to comply with the Required Agricultural Practices are eligible to apply. Applications are evaluated according to the funding priorities established in statute and receive priority based on a priority ranking and risk assessment. Funding is available according to the cost share policy.
Examples of conservation practices eligible for cost share through the Farmstead BMP Program
- Manure storage
- Composting stack pad
- Barnyard runoff collection
- Gutter / ditch clean water diversion
- Laneway development & stream crossings
- Exclusion fencing & watering facilities
- Milk house waste collection & treatment
- Silage leachate collection

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

- Program Factsheet
- BMP Construction Log Booklet
- NRCS VAAFM Release Form
- BMP Planning Checklist
- BMP Pre-Construction Form

Waste & Manure Management

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Water Management

Waste & Compost

Nutrient Management

- Printable Application
- Online Application Portal
All applications are received on a rolling basis. 
The PSWF Application requires the following information:
- Farm Contact Information
- # of acres
- # of livestock and livestock type
- Practices proposed or interested in learning more about
- If applicable, partners or other organizations you are working with on the project
Prior to applying, please read the important information below:
- Submitting an application does not ensure an award.
- Grant agreements must be in place prior to the start of construction.
- Farmer is responsible for financing the project during construction and will only receive reimbursement upon certified project completion.
- Final cost share payment is determined by actual project costs as documented by itemized invoices.
- Farmer’s equipment and labor costs are eligible for reimbursement.

Connor Steckel

The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.


### **Eligible Practices**

- Fence 

- Livestock Pipeline

- Water Source Development 

- Watering Facility 

- Improved Permanent Water Area 

- Stream Crossing 

- Electric Fence Chargers 

- Trails & Walkways





The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.

Eligible Practices
- Fence 
- Livestock Pipeline
- Water Source Development 
- Watering Facility 
- Improved Permanent Water Area 
- Stream Crossing 
- Electric Fence Chargers 
- Trails & Walkways



- Be a Vermont farm as defined in the Required Agricultural Practices
- Manage pastureland where water quality will benefit from implementation of improved pasture management and eligible and/or necessary conservation practices
- Have ownership or land control for the lifespan of the practice (10 years)
- Have an insurance policy that allows for the State and its employees and officers to be listed as additional insured

Livestock

Cattle

Pigs

Poultry

Sheep

Specialty Livestock

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Calves

Heifers

Steers

Bulls

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Goats

Guinea Pigs

Llamas

Mink

Mohair

Ostrich

Pheasants

Quail

Rabbits

Reindeer

Water Buffalo

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Broilers

Chicks

Fryers

Layers

Pullets

Roasters

Ducklings

Goslings

Poults

Toms

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Bison Calf

Bison Meat

Bucks

Nannies

Slaughter Goats

Agritourism

Infrastructure

Disaster Relief

Emergency

- The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides no-cost pasture management technical assistance from experienced grazing specialists
- PSWF also provides financial assistance that reimburses 90% of the cost to install infrastructure that will improve pasture management, up to the farm’s grant amount.
    - Maximum grant amount when the project has livestock exclusion from surface waters is $15,000 per farm.
    - Maximum grant amount when there is no livestock exclusion from surface waters, but where rotational grazing will be implemented or improved is $10,000 per farm. Rotational grazing requires at minimum moving livestock at least twice per week.

FY2024 Grant Applications are open now. Applications must be received by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets by November 11, 2023.
(NEW! This deadline was extended to November 11 to give you more time to apply).
Please ensure that your grant application includes the following REQUIRED components:
- Complete CEAP Application
- Complete Questionnaire 
- 1-2 reputable quote/s for the requested equipment. Note that shipping or freight costs may be listed on your quote but are not eligible for financial assistance.
- Letter(s) of Support are optional and, if submitted, should be unbiased and add pertinent information about your application and its relevance to program goals.

Before you start your online application, be prepared to upload 1-2 quotes and a complete questionnaire.
Paper/PDF applications may be submitted by email to AGR.WaterQuality@vermont.gov or mailed to VAAFM CEAP Program, 116 State St Montpelier VT 05620. Please include ALL application components in the same email/envelope.

Questions about applying?
- Please review the Frequently Asked Questions before reaching out with additional questions via email to AGR.WaterQuality@Vermont.gov
- All grant applicants should review and be prepared to agree to the State of Vermont Attachment C: Standard Provisions for Contracts and Grants.
- Eligibility requirements include that farms are in good standing with the State of Vermont. Good standing for Water Quality Technical and Financial Assistance is defined in 6 V.S.A. § 4802
- Assistance is available for the application process. Please contact your local conservation district or reach out to 802-522-4655 if you are in need of assistance.

Resources for CEAP Grant Recipients:
CEAP grant agreements have an agreement length of 5 years, during which period you are expected to maintain and continue using the equipment as described in your initial application. AAFM program staff will visit your farm 1-2 times during this period to check on your equipment.
CEAP recipients are further required to report equipment usage for the first three (3) years of the grant.
This reporting requirement exists so we can document the phosphorus reductions farmers are achieving with the purchased equipment and to demonstrate how CEAP is working to get conservation on the ground. In addition, CEAP is a competitive grant program and a major aspect of the ranking and review of your applications is the scale of conservation that you committed to your application. Since recipients were selected to receive funds in part of based on the expected conservation value of your equipment being used on the acres you committed to, the program requires recipients to meet those commitments for each year of reporting. 
Annual Usage Reports cover a Calendar Year and must be submitted annually by January 15th to the Contact listed below, accompanied by all relevant corresponding maps. If an explanation or justification is needed, please submit that in written form alongside your report and maps.

Financial assistance is available for new or used innovative equipment that will aid in the reduction of surface runoff of agricultural wastes to state waters, improve water quality of state waters, reduce odors from manure application, separate phosphorus from manure, mitigate greenhouse gases, and reduce costs to farmers when they apply manure.



- Vermont Farms required to comply with the Required Agricultural Practices
- Custom Operators
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Phosphorus Extraction Equipment Providers
Eligible Equipment Categories:
- Precision Agriculture – to accurately and digitally observe, monitor and respond to field variability and improve nutrient management planning.
- Conservation Tillage – to reduce the frequency or intensity of tillage operations.
- Cover Crop Equipment – to increase or improve cover cropping implementation.
- Waste Management – to improve waste and nutrient management, nutrient application efficiency and methods.
- Feed Management – to reduce impacts from silage leachate and reduce feed imports.
Eligible equipment and corresponding funding caps or cost share rates can change based on funding availability and other factors, please refer to the most current Program Details for more information on eligible equipment.

Ineligible Equipment: The following types of equipment are not eligible* to receive CEAP funds:
- Frac Tanks, Manure Tankers or Manure Pumps
- Solid Manure Spreaders or Broadcast Manure Spreaders
- Tractors
- Equipment that performs full width tillage, deep tillage, or soil inversion
*Exceptions may be considered for nonprofit organizations performing agricultural research, with compelling justification.

- CEAP Annual Usage Report (Printable)
- CEAP Annual Usage Report (Excel)
- CEAP & FAP Combined Report (Printable)
- CEAP & FAP Combined Report (Excel)

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

1. Review the full Goat & Sheep Dairy Supply Chain Grant RFA (request for applications) for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Complete your application in WebGrants using our Application Guide. Application will be open from July 8 - August 19, 2021 at 2:00 PM ET.


Kathryn Donovan

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Goat and Sheep Dairy Supply Chain Grant program, which will provide grants for New England dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to improve the goat and/or sheep dairy supply chain. 

Projects funded by this grant will develop or expand goat and/or sheep dairy products or&#x2004;markets that will positively impact multiple businesses within the goat and/or sheep dairy supply chain. Projects will increase the exposure and promotion of regionally produced goat/sheep dairy products through supply chain impacts.

Funded projects will increase consumer awareness of goat/sheep dairy products, develop market channels and distribution opportunities to increase goat/sheep dairy product placement, support innovative strategies to increase consumption of goat/sheep dairy products, and/or increase business revenues related to goat/sheep dairy products.



The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Goat and Sheep Dairy Supply Chain Grant program, which will provide grants for New England dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to improve the goat and/or sheep dairy supply chain. 
Projects funded by this grant will develop or expand goat and/or sheep dairy products or markets that will positively impact multiple businesses within the goat and/or sheep dairy supply chain. Projects will increase the exposure and promotion of regionally produced goat/sheep dairy products through supply chain impacts.
Funded projects will increase consumer awareness of goat/sheep dairy products, develop market channels and distribution opportunities to increase goat/sheep dairy product placement, support innovative strategies to increase consumption of goat/sheep dairy products, and/or increase business revenues related to goat/sheep dairy products.

Applicants eligible for these funds must fall into at least one of the following categories:
1. Dairy farmer (producer) of goat or sheep milk that is headquartered or based in New England and sources or produces milk within New England.
2. Dairy processor of goat or sheep milk that transforms raw milk into an edible product and is regulated by the federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) and is headquartered or based in New England, and sources or produces milk within New England.
3. Dairy producer association/dairy council which represents and promotes goat and/or sheep dairy products/dairy businesses of New England.


Goat Milk

Cheese

Milk

Dairy

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Grants will range from $20,000 - $50,000 with a 25% match commitment. $250,000 in available funds. 

Applications for this program must be submitted through the WebGrants grants management system. 

REGISTRATION
If you're new to WebGrants, submit the WebGrants Registration Form. It usually takes about two business days to process registrations. Make sure to register for an account well before the application deadline. 

https://agriculturegrants.vermont.gov/register.do

SUBMISSION POLICY 
Applicants must follow all instructions in this request for applications (RFA), including the dates and times for submitting applications. The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets will only consider the last complete submission through WebGrants before the deadline as the official application. We cannot accept incomplete or late applications after the deadline (February 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM) barring exceptional circumstances. The WebGrants system will not accept applications after the deadline. 

SUBMISSION CONFIRMATION 
After you've submitted your application successfully, you'll be taken to a page confirming your submission. This page will have an Application ID number. You'll also get an email confirming your submission.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) announces funding for Meat and Produce Agricultural Development Grants (Meat and Produce ADG). This opportunity is part of a onetime appropriation, in part developed by the Governor’s Commission on the Future of Agriculture, focused on high need agricultural sectors. 


This program supports produce and meat producers and processors in implementing projects that improve their climate resilience, operational efficiency and capacity growth, and/or worker and food safety and product quality. 



The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) announces funding for Meat and Produce Agricultural Development Grants (Meat and Produce ADG). This opportunity is part of a onetime appropriation, in part developed by the Governor’s Commission on the Future of Agriculture, focused on high need agricultural sectors. 

This program supports produce and meat producers and processors in implementing projects that improve their climate resilience, operational efficiency and capacity growth, and/or worker and food safety and product quality. 

Eligible businesses and operations must be registered and operate within the state of Vermont. Only for-profit business structures are eligible. Applicants must be compliant with all state regulations (including but not limited to water quality, taxes, and child support) and be in good standing with the State of Vermont at the time of applying, remaining so throughout the entire grant period. 

Eligible operations/businesses must perform, or be diversifying into at least one of these four activities: 
• Growing and selling produce (see definition on pg. 24) 
• Processing produce that is grown by the same business 
• Raising livestock and/or poultry for processing 5 
• Performing slaughter and/or primary processing of livestock and/or poultry meeting the criteria below 

Applicants performing animal processing must source at least 50% of livestock/poultry from Vermont OR be applying with a project to significantly increase their capacity to source from Vermont. 

As long as they are registered with the state, eligible businesses of any age may apply but must demonstrate business viability and operational experience commensurate with the scope of their project and funding request. 

Meat

All applications must be submitted via the WebGrants system at agriculturegrants.vermont.gov. No paper applications will be accepted.

The Request for Proposals details the information that will be required during the online application.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant program, which will provide grants for dairy farmers to access funds that support the purchase of equipment and other related costs that will improve milk storage, handling, and energy efficiencies. The focus of&#x2004;this grant is on the purchase of specialized equipment. Applicants may select from a pre-approved list of eligible equipment. Projects funded by this grant will streamline milk pick up, create efficiencies around milk storage, and improve handling for both farmers and their processors. Successful applications will show reduced costs to the farmer and will improve efficiencies around the movement of milk, reduce frequency of milk pick up, and/or otherwise meet processors' needs for improved storage and handling.



The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant program, which will provide grants for dairy farmers to access funds that support the purchase of equipment and other related costs that will improve milk storage, handling, and energy efficiencies. The focus of this grant is on the purchase of specialized equipment. Applicants may select from a pre-approved list of eligible equipment. Projects funded by this grant will streamline milk pick up, create efficiencies around milk storage, and improve handling for both farmers and their processors. Successful applications will show reduced costs to the farmer and will improve efficiencies around the movement of milk, reduce frequency of milk pick up, and/or otherwise meet processors' needs for improved storage and handling.

Applicants eligible for these funds are dairy farmers (producers) that
1. Are headquartered or based in the Northeast; and 
2. Produce milk within the Northeast; and
3. Are licensed dairy operations in compliance with all required state and/federal standards.

Butter

Yogurt

Cow Milk

All proposals must show matching funds which represent at least 25% of the grant request to go toward the grant project. For instance, for a grant request of $20,000, the applicant must demonstrate at least $5,000 in match. Matching funds may be contributed by the applicant or by another organization and must take place during the grant period. The 25% required match may be any combination of cash and in-kind funds in any expense category. 

While the following are not required to apply, if applicant is awarded, they will need to provide:
- Certificate of Insurance listing the VAAFM as an additional insured
- Current IRS Form W-9 
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number acquired via SAM.gov. Applicants who do not already have a UEI number are strongly encouraged to start this process during the application period to ensure a timely start to their grant, if awarded. There are currently significant delays.

1. Review the FAP program information and practice requirements.
2. Applications which include Rotational Grazing must include a Grazing Plan and Grazing Map/s. ​​​​​​If the applicant has a full Grazing Plan developed with NRCS or a Grazing Specialist, submit that. Otherwise, use the VAAFM Grazing Plan Template, which can either be filled in on your computer or printed and filled in by hand. A grazing plan must include:
    a. Grazing Description and Overview,
    b. Total Number of Acres Grazed
    c. Animal Numbers and Forage Requirements and
    d. Recovery and Rest Period Calculations/Considerations
    e. Maps that clearly indicate the field boundaries of the acreage/pastures described in the Grazing Plan
3. Online application through this portal is strongly preferred. However, you can also print or download the application and submit with all other required documentation to AGR.WaterQuality@Vermont.gov or to FAP Program, 116 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620

The Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program utilizes state funding to help Vermont farms implement soil-based agronomic practices that improve soil quality, increase crop production, and reduce erosion and agricultural waste discharges. The FAP program also provides education and instructional activity grants to support outreach regarding the impacts of agricultural practices on water quality and current state agricultural water quality&#x2004;regulations. [Click here ](http://www.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=076347ee7eb44b28a869458eec1cb8c8)to learn more about the Farm Agronomic Practices program and its benefits to Vermont farmers.

Grants are limited to $10,000 per farm operation per State fiscal year [July 1 to June 30]. Funding rates may change based on program demand and available funding.


Applications are open year round but funding cutoff deadlines vary by practice type and project timeline:

**Rotational Grazing applications are due June 15th**

**Fall field practices applications are due August 1st**

**Spring field practices applications are due April 1st**



The Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program utilizes state funding to help Vermont farms implement soil-based agronomic practices that improve soil quality, increase crop production, and reduce erosion and agricultural waste discharges. The FAP program also provides education and instructional activity grants to support outreach regarding the impacts of agricultural practices on water quality and current state agricultural water quality regulations. Click here to learn more about the Farm Agronomic Practices program and its benefits to Vermont farmers.
Grants are limited to $10,000 per farm operation per State fiscal year [July 1 to June 30]. Funding rates may change based on program demand and available funding.

Applications are open year round but funding cutoff deadlines vary by practice type and project timeline:
Rotational Grazing applications are due June 15th
Fall field practices applications are due August 1st
Spring field practices applications are due April 1st

- Vermont farms required to comply with the Required Agricultural Practices are eligible to apply for practice assistance. 
- Organizations and businesses providing educational events for Vermont farms are eligible to apply for educational or instructional activity assistance.

- Fact Sheet
- Program Information and Practice Requirements

List of Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) Funding Opportunities