Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Request for Applications is now available for the 2026 Trade Show Assistance Grant!
$30,000 is available to provide Vermont agricultural, food, and forestry businesses with funds to exhibit and sell their Vermont products at trade shows targeting out-of-state wholesale buyers.
These matching grants can partially offset the expenses associated with exhibiting at trade shows, which provide excellent opportunities to network with wholesale buyers and expand into new domestic and international markets.
Applicants may request between $2,000 and $7,500 to help offset the costs of up to four trade shows. Grant funds can cover up to 75% of eligible costs.
Eligible applicants must have at least three wholesale accounts and their product(s) must meet the Vermont Local Definition as defined in Act 129.
The application will be open from December 5 to January 21. To learn more, read the Request for Applications.
Grants to Support Vermont Fairs and Field Days
The Agricultural Fairs and Field Days Grants Program is accepting applications through December 14 at 11:59 p.m.
Vermont agricultural fairs and field days operating at least three consecutive eight-hour days per year are encouraged to apply. View the Request for Applications for more details.
For more information about these opportunities, contact Selina Rooney at [email protected] or 802-522-7811.
Dairy Farm Improvement and Modernization Grant Due Soon
This program is open to dairy farms, farm groups partnering with technical assistance providers, producer associations, and milk buyers. Projects funded through this program will help improve dairy farm operations and support long-term farm viability. Grant projects may involve piloting new technologies, upgrading outdated equipment, or continuous improvement initiatives.
Awards will range from $15,000 to $100,000 and require a 25% in-kind or cash match.
Foreign Animal Disease Workshops
If you raise and sell livestock or livestock products, your voice is needed! Help shape strategies that support agricultural businesses and communities in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. Register for a free series of online workshops hosted by the University of Vermont.
Over a series of monthly sessions, participants will identify challenges and possible solutions for New England’s dairy industry. Stipends are available for eligible farmers.
The next workshops will take place via Zoom from 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET on December 10, January 14, and February 11.
Rival Brands of Hinesburg, VT, is offering food, forest, and farming businesses a substantial discount on a branding workshop series called “The Hidden Brand.” This series of workshops and coaching sessions, funded by a grant through the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, is designed to help businesses develop and understand brand strategy concepts that will support the BIG IDEA they want their brand to share with the world!
The workshop comes in two formats: a 4-week accelerated program at $49 and a 10-week deep-dive version at $129. Interested businesses must apply. If accepted, you will be notified and can then decide whether to claim your spot.
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
November
11/25 – Local Food for Schools and Child Care CSA Grant application due
December
12/4 – Dairy Farm Modernization and Improvement Grant application due
12/5 – Harvest and Post-Harvest Food Safety Grant application due
12/11 – Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant application due
12/14 – Fairs and Field Days Stipend and Capital Grant application due
12/15 – 2025 Agricultural Drought Impact Survey due
January
1/21 – Trade Show Assistance Grant application due
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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