Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets This grant, offered by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), provides funding to hire professional marketing and branding experts for existing value-added dairy processors, producer associations, and dairy brands using co-packing services.

These professionals will develop strategies to increase consumer awareness, improve product positioning, and expand market reach for regional value-added dairy businesses.

At least 75% of grant funds must be used for these professional services, ensuring that the expert drives the project’s direction. Up to 25% of the grant funds may be used to implement the professional’s recommendations, such as printing marketing materials, launching advertising campaigns, or updating branding and packaging.  

Awards will range from $10,000 – $50,000 with a cash and/or in-kind match requirement of 25%. 

Applications are due May 8th at 2pm EST.

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Farm-led Workshop

Join Doug and Seth Lawson of Covered Bridge Farm to hear about their experience completing a NE-DBIC funded project to modernize their feed and manure management systems and increase cow comfort. Strategies they employed include utilizing automatic alley scrapers, a robotic feed pusher, and cow brushes.

See the systems in action, hear what impacts they’ve had on the farm, and ask questions if you’re considering similar systems. No registration necessary.

When: April 25th, 10am – 12pm
Where: 1179 Covered Bridge Road, Irasburg, VT 05845
Contact: Doug Lawson, 802-754-6820

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Vermont Sawmill Cuts Emissions, Costs, and Time

The local lumber supply in Vermont is in a precarious position. Vermont has lost 84% of its sawmills since 1983, with only 39 left. When mills close, local jobs are lost, and logs must be trucked farther to be processed. That’s why Goodridge Lumber in Albany, Vermont is focusing on ways to address operational challenges.

Thanks to a Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Grant, Goodridge Lumber recently transitioned from diesel-powered generators to a three-phase electric system. The switch to electric will save an estimated 13,000 gallons of diesel annually, cutting costs, reducing emissions, and saving time.

Read the full story

Join the Conversation about the Future of Vermont Dairy

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state to hear directly from dairy stakeholders, farmers, and processors. These sessions will allow those involved in Vermont’s dairy industry to express their concerns and ideas about the future of Vermont dairy. Each meeting will include a working portion focused on sorting ideas into priority levels.

The next meetings will be on April 7th and 8th in Orleans, Caledonia, and Essex counties.

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Host a Maple Sugaring Field Trip at Your Sugarhouse

It’s that time of year again! As the weather warms up (hopefully), kids of all ages are eager to get outside and explore. Why not invite them to your sugarhouse for a fun, educational field trip? Maple sugaring provides hands-on lessons in science, math, and history, making it an enriching experience for students of all ages.

This month on the blog, we’re sharing expert tips on hosting engaging educational experiences. Learn about key considerations, exciting lesson topics, and interactive activities to make your field trip a success.

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Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

April
4/10 – Dairy Co-packing Grant deadline
4/10 – Farm to School and Early Childhood Vision Grant deadline
4/24 – Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant deadline

May
5/8 – Dairy Marketing & Branding Services Grant deadline

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620

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