About Us
The Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Fund makes a financial award to a Vermont family farmer each month for a project that will improve the viability of the farm. Awards recognize farmers whose businesses are contributing to a resilient Vermont agricultural landscape and demonstrate environmental stewardship through sustainable practices.
Funding for the Vermont Family Farmer of the Month comes from a comes from a generous, anonymous charitable gift fund. It is administered by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont in partnership with VHCB Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, Shelburne Farms, and the Vermont Grass Farmers Association.
Eligible Projects
The Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Award provides grants between $10,000 and $12,000 to support an innovative project on a Vermont family farm that will improve the viability of the enterprise. An example of an eligible project could be an upgrade or construction of a farm stand or wash and pack station, improvements in on-farm energy efficiency or integration of renewable energy, infrastructure design or construction for a new farm product, or an investment in soil or animal health. For questions about project eligibly, please contact us.
Award Timeline
Twelve grants will be awarded annually - one award for each month. Applications are reviewed three times a year and announced each month.
November through February Awards
Applications due by: October 16th
March through June Awards
Applications due by: January 22nd
July through October Awards
Applications due by: May 28th
Reporting
Awardees will be expected to participate in a simple end of year impact report, which may include a description and pictures of the final project implemented and the impact of that project. The project administrators may also collect video footage from awardees.