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Grants and In-Kind Assistance to Vermont Crop Producers, Nonprofits, and Food Businesses for Projects Related to Specialty Crops

Local Food in Your Community Program


Agency
State

GrantWatch ID#
163148

Funding Source
State of Vermont - Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM)
Array ( )

Geographic Focus
USA: Vermont

Important Dates
Deadline: 05/06/21 Noon (12:00 PM) Save

Grant Description
Grants of up to $5,000 and in-kind assistance to Vermont crop producers, farmers' markets, nonprofit organizations, retailers, and food businesses for projects related to specialty crops. Applicants must complete required registrations prior to applying. Funding is intended to improve the availability of specialty crops and strengthen the marketing efforts of local producers and retailers.

Projects funded through this program should support specialty crop producers through professional marketing services and market development activities to increase sales, points of access, and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and other Vermont grown specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined in the Farm Bill as: fruits and tree nuts; vegetables; culinary herbs, spices, and medicinal plants; nursery, floriculture, horticulture, and Christmas trees; honey; hops; maple syrup; and mushrooms.

Projects should focus on ways to improve existing and accelerate emerging market models that serve multiple farmers and/or food businesses and increase food access in Vermont communities. This market development approach will focus on projects that can increase exposure to local products, and specifically specialty crops, to an expanded consumer base. Priority will be given to initiatives that implement improved marketing strategies, support financially viable businesses and sustainable practices, highlight effective partnerships, and foster health-promoting activities to help ensure that local food markets can thrive in the long term.

For examples of eligible projects, see https://agriculture.vermont.gov/sites/agriculture/files/FY21_Local%20Food%20in%20Your%20Community_RFA.pdf#page=4.



Recipient

Eligibility
  • Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)

Additional Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants:
• Specialty crop producer cooperatives, producer groups, food hubs, or farmers markets
• Independent retailers, non-profits, or other food businesses that will partner with and/or provide support to specialty crop producers, producer groups, food hubs, or farmers markets

Examples of Ineligible Projects:
• Vehicle purchases or land purchases
• Direct purchases of food
• Funding for purchases made prior to award notification
• Community garden projects
• Sponsorship of established festivals and entertainment series

Pre-Application Information
Timeline:
- Application Opens: April 6th, 2021
- Application Deadline: May 6th, 2021 at 12:00PM (noon)
- Application Notifications: Early June, 2021

All applicants must register to create an account using VAAFM’s online grants management system, WebGrants and have a Login.Gov (SAM) account. Applicants that do not have a WebGrants account will need to request one by filling out and submitting the WebGrants Registration Form. Registration requests are processed in 1-2 business days. Applicants that fail to meet the submission deadline because they did not submit their registration request in time will not be considered for funding.

You must have a DUNS number to submit an application. : A DUNS number may be obtained from Dun & Bradstreet at 866-705-5711 or fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

The Agency will provide 80% of funds upon the receipt of 1) a signed grant agreement and related documents; 2) the submission and approval of a claim with associated invoice in the WebGrants system; and 3) proof that the applicant has obtained any permits that may be required for their project, if applicable. The final 20% of funds will be provided after completion of the project, and when a final report, claim, and invoice have been submitted and approved in the WebGrants system

WebGrants Application Guide: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/grants/howtoapply
LFYC Information Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fssk2JkZrTk

Additional Funding Information

Estimated Total Program Funding:

$20,000

Estimated Size of Grant
Grants will be awarded for projects up to $5,000. In addition to grant funds, projects will receive program support from technical assistance providers and/or marketing specialists for improved project implementation valued at up to $2,000.

Term of Contract
Each successful grantee will have 2 weeks from the award announcement to sign their grant agreement and begin project work. Within 3 months, grantees must submit all required materials with their 1st claim and complete an interim report to receive their initial reimbursement. All grantees must complete the full scope of their projects within 6 months.

Contact Information
Apply Online: https://agriculturegrants.vermont.gov/index.do

Submit your questions about the Local Food in Your Community grants here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=O5O0IK26PEOcAnDtzHVZxitVewZTjmVKmSRUMwzGQxNUOTVXVjVFNTBNN1ZNSVNJMUNHNzM5UzI3Qy4u

Program Contact:
Alissa Matthews
alissa.matthews@vermont.gov
(802) 505-1661

WebGrants Technical Assistance:
Melissa Moon
Melissa.Moon@vermont.gov
(802) 828-3828

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State Street
Montpelier, Vt 05620-2901
802.828.2430
AGR.Helpdesk@vermont.gov

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