Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Sodexo’s Vermont First Innovation Grant aims to strengthen local food systems by supporting Vermont farmers and food producers in supplying local food products (per Vermont Act 129) to University of Vermont Dining Services and Sodexo’s other Vermont First accounts. The Sodexo grant program provides financial support to Vermont farmers and food producers to enter and/or scale within the Sodexo institutional supply chain.
Funding is open to Vermont farmers, food producers, food hubs, supply chain service providers, and technical support providers. Award amounts range from $10,000 to $15,000.
Eligible project costs include:
Equipment and packaging
Technical assistance
Audits or certifications
Infrastructure investment
Applications are due October 30.
Learn more
Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Award
The Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Fund recognizes farmers whose businesses are contributing to a resilient Vermont agricultural landscape and demonstrate environmental stewardship through sustainable practices. Each month, the fund awards $12,000 to a Vermont farmer for a project that will improve the viability of their farm. The deadline to apply to be considered for the November, December, January, and February awards is September 28.
Apply now
Working Lands Grantee Spotlight
In 2025, with support from a Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant, Butterfly Bakery implemented a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to strengthen its brand, expand its national reach, and increase online direct-to-consumer sales.
Read more on the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative blog about how Butterfly Bakery supports Vermont farms and how their marketing grant helped them take control of their growth.
Read the blog
Start Your Farming Journey with Farm Beginnings
The application is open through September 18 for NOFA-VT’s Farm Beginnings program—a year-long, farmer-led program for aspiring and beginning farmers seeking to launch or grow their farm business. The course focuses on sustainable agriculture and helps participants develop a holistic business plan, increase their farm management knowledge, and improve their decision-making skills, all led by experienced Vermont-based farmers and service providers.
Learn more
Funding to Replace or Repower Diesel Vehicles and Equipment
Vermont DEC is offering $5.9M through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust to help replace or repower older diesel vehicles and equipment with all‑electric alternatives. Funding is open to public agencies, institutions, and Vermont‑based businesses, with cost‑share rates up to 85% for public entities and 75% for private businesses. Applications are accepted monthly through December 31, or until funds are exhausted.
Learn more
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
September
9/4 – Vermont Dairy Promotion Council project proposals 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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