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.
Estimated Total Program Funding:
