It’s here! Early bird registration is open now through January 16th.
Join the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) for two days focused on innovation, modernization, and growth across the dairy sector. The Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit brings together dairy farmers, processors, and stakeholders from across an 11-state region.
From dairy farming to processing to workforce development and policy, the Summit gives you an opportunity to learn from those who are innovating now and to hear from experts on what’s coming in the future.
The Summit will be March 10-11th, in Albany, New York. This year’s theme is “Dynamic Dairy: Opportunities at Every Scale.”
Head to the Summit website to check out the agenda and breakout sessions.
VT Vegetable and Berry Growers Association Annual Meeting
The Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association (VVBGA) invites members to its 2026 Annual Meeting on January 20th at Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, VT.
Join fellow growers for a full day of learning, networking, and a vibrant trade show. Hear from experts on marketing, production innovations, farm business strategies, and more. Registration is $65 per person (includes lunch) by January 16, or $85 at the door.
Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Award
The application is now open for the next round of NOFA-VT’s Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Awards.
Each month, one Vermont farmer receives a $12,000 award to support a project that strengthens farm viability. This program honors farmers whose businesses foster a resilient agricultural landscape while demonstrating environmental stewardship and innovation. Applicants must be a NOFA Vermont Member or a certified Vermont Organic Farm.
GROW Program: Sales for Food Businesses
The Food Finance Institute has launched GROW, a brand-new program designed to help food and farm businesses that sell consumer packaged goods strengthen their financial and operational foundations.
The first series, Sales for Food Businesses, starts January 16th. This series will help you navigate the consumer packaged goods ecosystem; maximize profit through forecasting, negotiating, and managing trade spend; use the Amazon Profit Playbook to develop a sustainable e-commerce channel; and price products strategically to support growth and attract capital.
Are you interested in exploring the business potential of your maple woods? UVM Extension is working with forest landowners, maple producers, and entrepreneurs to assess the economic and environmental benefits of sap enterprises.
Through one‑on‑one guidance, participants can evaluate carbon and economic assessment tools, develop start‑up budgets, and analyze production costs to determine the feasibility of starting a sap business. This program helps you balance forest health with profitability while exploring opportunities in the maple industry.
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
December
12/14 – Fairs and Field Days Stipend and Capital Grant application due
12/15 – 2025 Agricultural Drought Impact Survey due
January
1/21 – Trade Show Assistance Grant application due
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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
Our website address is:
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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