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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Dillan Westcom

Amer Suvalic

Rachel Seigel

Jason Bradley

Andrew Mitchell

Matt Gardner

Rob Achilles

Engineering Section Chief

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

Wetland Conservation

Waterway Protection

Water Quality

Water Management

Waste & Compost

Nutrient Management

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.

Mary Montour

Agricultural Water Quality Program Coordinator

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

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Equine

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

Horses

Bucks

Nannies

Slaughter Goats

Agritourism

Facilities

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.

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

Events

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

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

Follow these steps to apply:
1. Review the full 2022 Dairy Marketing & Branding Services Grant RFA (request for applications) for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the application process.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Complete your application in WebGrants using VAAFM's Application Guide. Deadline to apply: June 23 at 2:00 PM ET.


Brockton Corbett

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Dairy Marketing and Branding Services Grant Program, which will provide grants for established value-added dairy processors and producer associations to access professional marketing and branding services to elevate value-added&#x2004;dairy businesses. Projects funded by this grant will increase the exposure and promotion of regionally produced dairy products guided by marketing/branding professionals. Funded projects will increase consumer awareness of products, develop market channels and distribution opportunities to increase product placement, support innovative strategies to increase consumption, and/or increase business revenues.

Additionally, up to 25% of the grant funds may be used to implement the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor.

Awards will range from $10,000 - $50,000 with a match requirement of 25%. 



The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Dairy Marketing and Branding Services Grant Program, which will provide grants for established value-added dairy processors and producer associations to access professional marketing and branding services to elevate value-added dairy businesses. Projects funded by this grant will increase the exposure and promotion of regionally produced dairy products guided by marketing/branding professionals. Funded projects will increase consumer awareness of products, develop market channels and distribution opportunities to increase product placement, support innovative strategies to increase consumption, and/or increase business revenues.
Additionally, up to 25% of the grant funds may be used to implement the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor.
Awards will range from $10,000 - $50,000 with a match requirement of 25%. 

This application is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must be one of the following:
1. Dairy processors that transform raw milk sourced from the Northeast region into an edible product and are: 
    - licensed dairy processor in compliance with all required state and/or federal standards, as required for the sales outlets reached during the timeframe of this project; and
    - headquartered or based in the Northeast; and
    - if a value-added processor, products are manufactured within the Northeast.
1. Dairy producer association/dairy council which represents and promotes dairy products and dairy businesses of the Northeast.

Butter

Yogurt

Cow Milk

- 2022 Dairy Marketing & Branding Services Grant RFA

Farmers Market

Food Systems

Marketing

Awards will range from $10,000 - $50,000 with a match requirement of 25%. 

1. Review the full Dairy Product Packaging Innovation Grant RFA.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Complete your pre-application in WebGrants using our Application Guide. Pre-application deadline is March 17th, 2022. 
4. For those applicants invited to submit a full application, the full application deadline is June 3rd, 2022. 

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Dairy Packaging Innovation Grant program. To remain competitive, Northeast dairy businesses need access to product packaging solutions that meet demands&#x2004;for sustainability as well as marketability. This program will provide grants to support modernized packaging initiatives that prioritize sustainability, scalability, and marketability. Projects should address the full life cycle of packaging from production to disposal or reuse, build on existing packaging innovation, and optimize packaging for marketability and labeling requirements. Priority will go to projects that partner across the dairy and packaging manufacturing sector and those that can demonstrate how they will positively impact multiple dairy businesses and supply chain partners.  

Project approaches can be focused on one or both of the following: 

- improved package design/labeling for packaging materials that are easily recycled, such as milk jugs  

- developing improved access to and utilization of recycled/recyclable, and compostable packaging, or other solutions focused on eliminating single use packaging for dairy products 


This grant round will include a two-step application process. Following the review of pre-applications, a subset of applicants will be invited to submit a full application.  




The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Dairy Packaging Innovation Grant program. To remain competitive, Northeast dairy businesses need access to product packaging solutions that meet demands for sustainability as well as marketability. This program will provide grants to support modernized packaging initiatives that prioritize sustainability, scalability, and marketability. Projects should address the full life cycle of packaging from production to disposal or reuse, build on existing packaging innovation, and optimize packaging for marketability and labeling requirements. Priority will go to projects that partner across the dairy and packaging manufacturing sector and those that can demonstrate how they will positively impact multiple dairy businesses and supply chain partners.  
Project approaches can be focused on one or both of the following: 
- improved package design/labeling for packaging materials that are easily recycled, such as milk jugs  
- developing improved access to and utilization of recycled/recyclable, and compostable packaging, or other solutions focused on eliminating single use packaging for dairy products 

This grant round will include a two-step application process. Following the review of pre-applications, a subset of applicants will be invited to submit a full application.  


Applicants eligible for these funds must fall into at least one of the following categories:
- Dairy processor that transforms raw milk into an edible product with milk sourced from the Northeast region. Processors must be licensed in a way that their product can be sold across state lines. 
- Dairy producer association/dairy council which represents and promotes dairy products dairy/businesses of the Northeast region. 
- Packaging manufacturer that partners with at least one dairy processor, as defined above.  
- Supply chain business (e.g. distributor or retail operation) based/headquartered in the Northeast that partners with at least one dairy processor, as defined above. Supply chain businesses must source dairy products and purchases from and sell to businesses primarily in the Northeast.
- Educational/research institution that partners with at least one dairy processor, as defined above.

"The Northeast Region" includes the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.


- Webgrants Application Guide
- Grant Q&A 
- Dairy Product Packaging Innovation Grant RFA

Grants will range from $75,000 to $350,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required.  Total funds available: $1,000,000. 
This grant round will include a two-step application process. Following the review of pre-applications, a subset of applicants will be invited to submit a full application.  

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.

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.

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