Food Security in Vermont: A Roadmap to 2035

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets

Vermont Farm to Plate announced Vermont's Food Security Roadmap to 2035.

This new plan provides a path forward to ensure all Vermonters have the food they need and to help Vermont communities be resilient and respond to climate change. To achieve the plan's goal of a food-secure Vermont by 2035, the roadmap prioritizes systems and policy changes over individual-level interventions. It is based on government programs, community innovation, and the shared experiences of Vermonters in recent years. It includes policy recommendations and actions that Vermont can take to create durable and equitable food security for all.

“We are on the path to food security in Vermont,” said Becca Warren, farm-to-fork food security program manager for the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. “Vermont can choose policies that ensure food security for everyone who lives here.”

Together, we can work to end hunger in Vermont and ensure everyone has access to the food they need. If you are interested in joining this effort, sign up for the “Food Security in Vermont: A Roadmap to 2035” newsletter on the Farm to Plate website. You can also join your local Hunger Action Council. For more information, visit the Hunger Free Vermont website. To learn more and get involved in implementing this roadmap, please send us an email. [email protected].

Explore Vermont's Food Security Roadmap to 2035

NOFA-VT
Farmer Resilience Subsidy

The Northeast Vermont Organic Farming Association offers grants to help farmers improve the long-term resiliency of their farms.

Applicants must define how the funds will be used to improve the resilience of farms and communities, focusing on the social, environmental and economic impacts of the project.

Grants are available up to $2,500. If you have any questions, please contact Eric Boatti, Farm Resilience Specialist. [email protected] or (802) 434-7192.

application Deadline: March 3rd

Reminder: Small Farm Diversification and Transition Grant

We would like to remind you that subsidies are available for small farms looking to diversify their operations or move from one form of farming to another.

Small farms can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 with no match requirements.

Projects should focus on agricultural product diversification, farm transition, agricultural processing, or development of ancillary on-farm businesses.

application Deadline: March 4th

Addison County VAAFM Listening Session

The next listening session, hosted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, will be held in Middlebury on Tuesday, February 13th from 5 to 7 p.m. This session provides an opportunity to hear directly from agricultural producers, processors, distributors, and service providers, allowing VAAFM to better understand their needs.

This event is co-sponsored with the Addison County Relocalization Network. Refreshments will be provided and child care will be provided for preschoolers and older. Registration is not required for this event.

addison county session: February 13th

Grow your customer base with social media

When you start marketing, it's easy to immediately skip to setting up your social media profiles. With a variety of platforms, you can quickly and easily set up your profile and start sharing within minutes.

While social media is a powerful tool for marketing your farm, it can also become a wormhole that distracts potential customers from your message.

This week's blog covers key strategies for making social media work for you.

Read the full blog

Upcoming dates and deadlines

2/7 – Bennington County VAAFM Listening Session
2/13 – Addison County VAAFM Listening Session
2/17 and 2/18 – 2024 NOFA-VT Winter Meeting
2/22 – Dairy Safety and Certification Grant Deadline
2/22 – VAAFM Listening Session for Orange and Windsor Counties
2/26 – Meat and Agricultural Agricultural Development Grant Deadline
3/4 – Small Farm Diversification and Transition Grant Deadline
3/17 – Sale at Vermontville at Big E deadline.
3/19 – Pesticide applicator meeting
4/2 and 4/3 – Tohoku Dairy Business Innovation Summit
4/9 – First pesticide certification meeting