Farmer Emergency Fund

Flood Damage in Middlebury, VT - August 2011

The Farmer Emergency Fund was established in 1997 to assist organic and NOFA member farmers adversely affected by natural and unnatural disasters like the recent flooding and damage from Irene. We anticipate many requests for funds after this disaster, so all donations are welcome. Grants and zero-percent-interest loans are awarded to farmers in need as funds are available. Click here to learn more about who and what is eligible for the NOFA Vermont Farmer Emergency Fund. To donate, please click here or contact Kirsten Bower at the NOFA office; please contact Kirsten for more information on how to apply for funds: 802-434-4122 ext 16. To make a donation by check, please mail your tax deductible contribution to the NOFA Famer Emergency Fund, PO Box 697, Richmond, VT 05477.  Please write on the  memo line "for Farmer Emergency Fund" or include a note expressing your wish to contribute to the Farmer Emergency Fund.

Business Planning

Cash Flow Analysis and Business Planning are available to farmers in Vermont through the Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program. The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture developed the program to help farms in Vermont increase their profitability. All of the information is listed on the VHCB web-site under Farm Viability. NOFA-VT is a technical service provider of the Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program, as are the Intervale Foundation, University of Vermont Extension, and Working Landscapes. As a provider, NOFA-VT is able to offer on-farm technical assistance in production and business planning to organic and transitioning vegetable, grain, dairy and livestock farms in Vermont.

Minimum eligibility requirements of the Farm Viability Enhancement Program:

• Are you a year-round Vermont resident?
• Do you own or rent (by written lease) at least one parcel of Vermont farmland?
• Do you have at least 3 years experience managing or working on a farm?
• Did your farm produce at least $10,000 of gross farm income in the most recent tax year?
• In the next 12 months do you again plan to engage in the business of farming on this land?

If you answered “Yes” to all of the above you are eligible to receive services from the Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program. In some cases, these criteria may be waived. There is no fee required for the technical assistance, although farmers are required to commit time to the process. To apply download the Farm Viability Application.

NOFA-VT targets our technical assistance to the following target group of farms:

• Conventional dairy farmers transitioning to organic production
• Organic dairy farmers who want to increase the viability of their operations
• Organic and transitioning fruit and vegetable producers
• Farmers interested in commercial organic seed production
• Producers of organic agronomic crops (grain producers and marketers, oil seed crops, forage for organic livestock)
• Organic and transitioning livestock producers
• Farmers interested in integrating alternative energy or energy efficiency systems on their farm
• Farmers interested in developing a value-added product on-farm or at a small scale, for local or regional marketing.

Brief History of NOFA-VT’s Technical Assistance Program

NOFA-VT’s dairy and livestock technical assistance program started in 1994 to provide on-farm consultation (production technical assistant, grass management, research, and technical workshops). In addition, we have provided technical assistance in farm financial planning to predominantly organic vegetable producers, as part of our revolving loan fund program since the program since 1994. In 2002, we received funding from the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund to establish a technical assistance program for commercial organic seed producers; this consisted primarily of on-farm production consultation, market analysis, technical workshops, and written resources. In 2006, we received funding from the John Merck Fund to develop a Vegetable Technical Assistance Program modeled after our Dairy and Livestock Technical Assistance Program.

With funding from the Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program, we have been able to expand our technical outreach to do business planning with dairy farmers, expand our work with vegetable producers to farmers outside of the loan fund program, and develop a technical assistance program for non-dairy livestock.

Testimonials

“The NOFA-VT technical assistance provider was the catalyst for us to do some important business planning for our farm. Having an experienced set of eyes is really valuable – there are things you miss when you are in the thick of it. Just having an outside voice and eyes to view a farm operation can be the motivation for incredible internal change that drastically changes the bottom line for the better. Farming from the neck up, and sharpen your saw are important concepts that often get overlooked in the hectic pace of everyday farming. What the program really did was to get us to believe in our abilities as growers, and to have faith in ourselves and our land.”
- Organic vegetable farmer participant in the Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program

“The most helpful service NOFA-VT provided was when the farm advisor came over and sat down with us for a series of work periods where he showed us how to do a year of financial planning and cash flow projections. An example of how that helped us is where he showed us that in order for us to meet our bills and have a little money left over for family living expenses, our herd of 40 cows must achieve and maintain an average of 50 lbs of milk production per cow per day. He also helped us realize what our short and long-term goals are and what it will take to get there. With this help, we were not only able to realize where we want to be and what it will take to get there, but we can move forward with confidence. Without your help, I don’t know if I would be farming today. But thanks to you, we are farming and things are going well. I can say with confidence that not only is NOFA-VT badly needed by farmers like myself making the transition to organic farming, but NOFA-VT and organic farming are absolutely essential to the survival of the small family farm.”
- Organic dairy farmer participant in the Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program

Energy Loan Fund

This program assists member farmers to improve their energy use technologies, and to develop energy management plans for their farms. For example, a variable frequency drive (VFD) vacuum pump controller can reduce electrical use between 40% or more during milking, improve teat & udder health, increase the life of a pump, and can reduce pump noise!

Farmers can apply for just the VSD, but a Farm Energy Audit is encouraged, as well. This includes an assessment of the farm’s potential for renewable energy strategies. A unique energy-use profile will be established from this audit that identifies specific conservation potential, efficiency requirements, and renewable energy capabilities. An energy management plan, incorporating the most practical of these strategies, will be created from this profile.

The audit and plan development will be part of NOFA-VT’s Technical Assistance Program, in cooperation with Integrated Energy Solutions, Inc., a company specializing in on-farm energy management. The program first focus is for dairy and livestock members, and then expanded to encompass all farmer members of NOFA-VT. In 2007, we expect to conduct energy audits and develop energy management plans for 40-50 farms.

Efficiency Concentration:

The audit and planning process will focus on the benefits each farm can gain from:

1. Installation of a variable frequency drive (VFD) vacuum pump controller, or other appropriate technologies;
2. Improved servicing and upgrade of the milking, milk cooling, and barn ventilation systems;
3. Lighting systems effectiveness and efficiency;
4. Identify energy usages that are excessive, and offer choices for their reduction.

Renewable Strategies:

• Wind: We are gathering criteria and capability to monitor and assess on-site wind energy generation.
• Manure Digestion: We are studying the options for small-scale manure & cellulosic digestion technology to produce methane, bedding, and soil nutrients.
• Milk Cooling: We are exploring alternative renewable energy strategies for milk cooling.

Loan Amount

• $3,000 - $4,000

Rate

• Fixed rate of 4.0% as of July 2007

Terms

• 1-5 years

Note: There is no pre-payment penalty for the payback of loans.

Collateral

• Purchased equipment

NOFA Vermont Revolving Loan Fund

The NOFA Vermont Revolving Loan Fund was jointly established in 1994 by NOFA Vermont and Chittenden Bank's Socially Responsible Banking Fund (formally Vermont National Bank). NOFA Vermont manages the $90,000 fund. The motivation to create the fund arose from an increasing number of loan requests from small scale organic farmers; farmers who lack credit history and therefore could not secure conventional loans; and the need for short-term working capital.

In 2007 funded through Chittenden Bank, NOFA Vermont, in conjunction with its Technical Assistance Program for dairy farmers, established a second loan fund program, the NOFA Vermont Energy Loan Fund. Through this pilot program loans are available at 4% interest specifically for energy efficient technologies. Currently, applicants may apply for a 5 year loan of $3,000 to $4,000 for variable speed pumps. In the future, the program may expand to include wind technology. The applicant process and paperwork requirements for the Energy Loan Fund are the same as the NOFA Vermont Revolving Loan Fund.

Process and Timeline:

Completed applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Technical assistance is available from the NOFA Vermont office for applicants who need help developing a business plan or in completing their loan application. Contact the office at (802) 434-4122 or info@nofavt.org.

Applications are reviewed by a peer loan fund advisory board. An initial screening will take place and applicants who are declined at this point will be notified. The applicants who are still in the selection pool may get a site visit by the loan fund officer after an initial screening is completed. Final decisions will be made by the loan fund advisory board. The loan fund will conduct a credit history check at its own expense.

Here are the forms and applications you'll need:

• General Information Sheet
• Loan Fund Letter
• Personal Data Sheet
• Joint Applicant Personal Data Sheet
• Trade Reference Sheet

General Information for borrowers:

Eligibility

Loans are available to:

• farmers within Vermont
• farmers that farm with sustainable agricultural practices
• organic farmers
• farmers that are interested in making the transition to sustainable management practices
• farmers that are interested in making the transition to organic management

Permitted Use of Funds

• Equipment and long-term assets (such as tractors, greenhouses, building improvements, or breeding or market livestock that will be on farm for more than one year)
• Working capital and short-term assets (such as inventory, advertising, seeds, market livestock to be processed within one year, or wages for production of product that will be sold during the year)
• Improvement of business management (such as market research, computer software and training, or seasonal labor)

Loan Amount

• $2,000 - $15,000

Rate

• Fixed rate of 5.75%. Terms and disclosures will be detailed in the commitment letter.

Terms

• Equipment. Loans - 1 to 5 years
• Working capital - 1 to 12 months
• Business management - 1 to 12 months

Note: There is no pre-payment penalty for the payback of loans.

Collateral

• Loans under $2500 will be unsecured
• Loans of $2500 or higher must be secured with a minimum loan to value ratio of 90%. Value of the collateral will be assured by appraisal by the loan officer or an independent third party.

Equity Requirements

• A minimum of 10% equity in the project is required on loans of $2500 or greater.

Financial or Business Programs for Organic Farmers and Growers

Agricultural Stimulous Financing

Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation has up to $6 million in low-interest financing available.

The Carrot Project

Offers loans of $1,000 to $10,000 for farmers in Vermont and Western Massachusetts.

Cash Flow Analysis of Transitioning to Organic Dairying

NOFA Vermont is collaborating with the Small Business Development Center to help farmers do a cash flow analysis to look at income and expenses during and after the transition, in order to make an informed decision about how to make the transition. A cash flow analysis will tell you if you have enough money to make it to your first organic milk check, or if you will need to borrow money to buy additional cows, pay for organic grain or other feed, or make changes to your barnyard or fence to meet the organic standards.

Equity Trust, Inc.

Loans of $6,000 to $150,000 available for farmers

New Farmer Resource Guide

The New Farmer Resource Guide, a project of the Vermont New Farmer Network, is a collaboration between USDA Farm Service Agency, the Vermont Community Foundation, University of Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and Vermont Agricultural Resource Center. The section on “Access to Capital” will be especially useful to farmers, because of its thoughtful discussion and many links, which can be found here

Organic Dairy Transition Loan Program

The Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation (VACC), a subsidiary of the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) offer deferred payment loans to eligible dairy farmers transitioning to organic milk production. The Organic Transition Loan Program provides loans to offset costs of transitioning to organic dairy production and allows farmers to begin repayment after achieving organic certification and a premium price for organic milk. Eligible borrowers must be operating a dairy farm in its last year of transition to organic dairy production.

Record Keeping and Vegetable Farm Budget Examples

If you missed NOFA Vermont's excellent two-day Farmer-to-Farmer Exchange in January 2009: Answering Questions on the Farm: Conducting Research, Maintaining Records, Evaluating Production Practices you can still benefit from the record-keeping systems demonstrated and shared by our experienced vegetable-farmer speakers Paul and Sandy Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm, Argyle, New York, Dan Kaplan of Brookfield Farm, South Amherst, Massachusetts, Jane Sorensen and David Marchant of River Berry Farm, Fairfax, Vermont, and others. The files are the actual recordkeeping sheets and budgets used by these farmers on their farms. They will help you stay organized and help your farm business to be more profitable.

Vermont Community Loan Fund

Offers a variety of different loans accessible to farmers.

Vermont Farm Service Agency (FSA)

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers and manages many farm financial programs. These programs include: the farm commodity, credit, conservation, renewable energy systems and energy efficiency, improvement, disaster, and loan programs. It has a network of federal, state and county offices that serve farmers. Their loan programs can help farmers buy land, and build and upgrade facilities to meet expanding markets. Programs include: beginning farmers, direct farm, emergency farm, guaranteed farm, and socially disadvantaged farmers loans.

Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program

The Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program provides farmers with business planning and technical assistance through consultants, which is tailored to a farmer’s needs. Farmers assess the farm operation’s strengths and weaknesses for possible management changes to increase profitability. On-farm consultations result in a written business plan. NOFA Vermont is a provider for this program; if you want to work with NOFA Vermont consultants you must say so on your application.

Vermont Land Trust’s Farmland Access Program

VT Land Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving working land for the future of Vermont. Their Farmland Access Program helps farmers gain access to quality and affordable farmland.

Vermont Small Business Development Center

The Vermont SBDC’s goal is to spur Vermont's economy by helping its small businesses succeed and grow. The SBDC mission is to strengthen existing business entities, and assist start-ups through high quality, no cost counseling, and high quality, affordable training programs.

Young and Beginning Program

Young and Beginning Program of the Farm Credit Services of America offers grants and loans for producers age 35 or younger who have been farming less than 10 years. Less-established producers can access loans and small educational reimbursements if in a loan program.

Grants Available for Farmers

Federal Grants

Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

Do you have an interesting idea? The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program offers grants to farmers and service providers to explore ideas that improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life in sustainable agriculture. Application materials are on the web; printed applications can be requested by calling 802-656-0471.

• Farmer Grants help develop, refine, and demonstrate new sustainable techniques and to increase awareness and adoption of innovative ideas developed by farmers. Farmers test new crops, practices, and systems through on-site experiments, and share the results with other farmers. SARE detailed guide, How to Write a SARE Farmer Grant Application, helps farmers develop their application by providing examples and explanations of what makes a strong proposal, a checklist for Farmer Grant technical advisors, and a tip sheet specifically for extension agents. Grant awards are capped at $10,000. Farmer Grant applications are due in December.

• Partnership Grants are for service providers who work directly with farmers-specifically Cooperative Extension, NRCS, state departments of agriculture, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, veterinarians, consultants, and other advisors in the farm community. These projects develop on-farm demonstration, research, or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture. The purpose of the Partnership Grant is to build knowledge farmers can use and to encourage the understanding and widespread use of sustainable techniques. Awards are capped at $10,000. Applications are due in December.

• Sustainable Community Grants are for projects that connect farming and economic development. Projects can address issues like finance, marketing, land and water use, enterprise development, adding value to farm products, or farm labor. Applicants must be affiliated with an organization such as a community nonprofit, Cooperative Extension, local government, an educational institution, a planning board, a farming cooperative, or an incorporated citizens group. Awards are capped at $25,000. Applications are due in December.

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

The Small Business Innovation Research Program offers grants to qualified small businesses (including small and medium-sized farms) in support of high quality, innovative research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefit. SBIR Phase I grants are limited to $80,000 (duration of 8 months); Phase II grants, limited to $350,000 (duration of 24 months), are only open to previous Phase I awardees by invitation. Phase I proposals are due at the beginning of September.

Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG)

Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG) may be used for planning activities, for working capital to market value-added agricultural products, and for farm-based renewable energy. Eligible applicants are independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Smaller projects, multi-year and larger projects fit this program. A 1:1 match of funds requested is required. Planning grants are capped at $100,000; working capital grants are capped at $300,000. Applications due: July 6, 2009.

Energy Program

USDA Rural Development's Energy Program grant and loan program helps agricultural producers increase their economic viability by reducing energy costs and consumption through the purchase of renewable energy systems and installation of energy efficiency improvements. Solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, and efficiency projects are eligible. Awards are made on a competitive basis. For renewable energy systems, the minimum grant request is $2,500 and the maximum is $500,000. For energy efficiency improvements, the minimum grant request is $1,500 and the maximum is $250,000. A 1:1 match of funds requested is required. Contact them for pre-qualifying information. Applications due: TBA.

 

State Grants

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets' REAP (Renewable Energy for Agriculture Grant Program) Program advances renewable technologies by supporting a farmer or a group of farmers in the feasibility analysis of the harvest biomass, the conversion of biomass to energy, the production of biofuel, or other renewable energy technologies by providing A) business and technical assistance research and planning to aid in developing business enterprises, and B) implementation assistance to leverage other sources of capital to assist in purchasing equipment, using technology, or producing agricultural energy. Most grants are $10,000.

Vermont Department of Public Service

The Vermont Department of Public Service has grant programs to assist farmers on renewable energy.

• Clean Energy Development Fund is offering a combination of loans and grants to fund renewable energy projects. 
• Small Wind and Solar Incentive Program was developed to accelerate and increase market demand for high-quality solar and small wind systems. Farms are eligible for this cost-share program.

Foundations and Funds Grants

Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF)

OFRF provides grants and information on organic agriculture for its widespread adoption. It accepts research proposals and education and outreach proposals. Grant awards average at about $13,000 and are capped at $15,000. They have two proposal due-dates each year: one in mid-May and the other in mid-November.

The Quaker Simple Farmer Education Fund

The Quaker Simple Farmer Education Fund accelerates the adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture by working to accelerate the transition towards low impact planting, growing, and harvesting whereby carbon emissions are reduced, soil quality is much improved, and the production of crops is cleaner and healthier. The fund's focus is soil management to improve soil structure, increase water infiltration and holding capacity, and decrease erosion through three low impact approaches: Conservation Tillage, Nutrient Management, and Grassland Management. Farmers who want to make concrete changes to their operations to transition to low-impact farming are eligible. Online applications can be downloaded; they are accepted online or by email, or fax. Grants are capped at $10,000. Applications are due in fall, but there is a rolling application deadline for funds released in 2009.

The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) provides grants and technical assistance to support innovative enterprises and businesses to accelerate the development of Vermont's green economy with a current efforts focus on the intersection between biofuels, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable forestry. Past grants have ranged from $850-$98,000.

Vermont Farm Women's Fund (VFWF)

The Vermont Farm Women's Fund (VFWF) offers grants to help women farmers in two areas: 1) Farm Business Development funds will provide support for education and travel related to helping recipients improve some aspect of their business, and 2) Leadership Development funds will provide support to help women farmers develop skills, access and opportunities to provide leadership in agricultural policy development. The University of Vermont Extension, through the Women's Agricultural Network (WAgN), serves as the fiscal agent for the fund and administers the grant award process. Grants are capped at $750. Applications are due in November.

Government Programs for Organic Growers

State and Federal government programs can help farmers by reducing the costs associated with using practices that protect or conserve environmental resources. These programs pay farmers to:

• prevent soil erosion;
• grow cover crops;
• include rotations, cross slope tillage and strip cropping;
• maintain nutrient management plans;
• maintain vegetative buffer-strips on crop, hay, and pasture land along streams;
• manage their manure resources; and
• install fencing and crossings to keep animals out of streams.

Below is a summary of programs that can help farmers. Be aware that programs can change with funding cycles, so use the links for the most current information. The goals of many of these programs are to work with farmers to protect water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, or reduce non-point source pollution. Programs and their acronyms are described below. These programs offer farmers technical assistance on how to solve problems and cost-share the solutions. Please be cognizant that often State and Federal programs can be combined, so farmers end up paying a small percent of the total costs.

Federal Programs

Federal Resources Overview from ATTRA

ATTRA publication Federal Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching offers an overview of the major federal conservation programs that provide resources for farmers and ranchers to enhance and maintain sustainable farming and ranching practices. This guide helps farmers and ranchers make their way through the often complex and difficult application processes.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) - Vermont

NRCS puts nearly 70 years of experience to work in assisting farmers with conservation. Their programs provide technical assistance and helps cover costs on a flat rate basis to farmers for implementing good conservation practices that improve environmental quality.

There are close to a dozen conservation cost-share programs that NRCS manages; listed here are the most common ones producers use.

Agricultural Management Assistance Program AMA

AMA’s  helps farmers cover costs of to address water management, water quality, and erosion control issues by incorporating conservation practices into their farming operations. Producers may construct or improve water management structures or irrigation structures; plant trees for windbreaks or to improve water quality; and mitigate risk through production diversification or resource conservation practices, including soil erosion control, integrated pest management, or transition to organic farming.

Conservation Security Program (CSP)

CSP identifies and rewards those farmers in specific watersheds, who meet the highest standards of conservation and environmental management on their operations.
* National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition'sFarmer's Guide to the Conservation Stewardship Program

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

EQIP helps farmers install structural and implement management practices to improve environmental quality using a whole farm approach. Practices covered include those that better manage or store manure, prevent barnyard runoff, prevent soil erosion, develop compost facilities, and improve existing irrigation systems to reduce water-use. EQIP payment rates may cover up to 75 percent of costs and for limited-resource producers and beginning farmer’s up to 90 percent of costs. Payment contracts are from 1 -10 years.

Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP)

FRPP provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm in agricultural use. USDA provides up to 50 percent of the fair market easement value.

 

FARM STORAGE FACILITY LOAN PROGRAM

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities. The FSA is authorized to implement the program through USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

The following commodities are eligible for farm storage facility loans:

• Corn, grain sorghum, rice, soybeans, oats, peanuts, wheat, barley or minor oilseeds harvested as whole grain

• Corn, grain sorghum, wheat, oats or barley harvested as other-than-whole grain

• Pulse crops - lentils, chickpeas and dry peas

• Hay

• Renewable biomass

• Fruits (includes nuts) and vegetables - cold storage facilities

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)

WRP helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands with technical and financial assistance.

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)

WHIP helps landowners establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat with technical assistance and covers up to 75 percent of costs. Contracts generally last from 5 to 10 years.

State Programs:

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM)

VAAFM has a great “Subject Index” that lists all the farm programs in the State, including programs, practices, and rules.

Alternative Manure Management

This program is designed to assist Vermont farmers with creating energy efficient systems that recycle, reduce, and reuse valuable agricultural resources. Examples includes manure digestion, manure solid separation, composting and heat recapture. This program typically combines funding opportunities with USDA or private organizations to provide farmers with cost-share to create these new and innovative systems. Contact: Rob Achilles at (802) 828-6510 or rob.achilles@state.vt.us

Best Management Practices (BMP’s)

BMP, helps farmers improve water quality and decrease phosphorus loading by constructing waste-related structures and supporting farm conservation practices. The cost-share can be up to 80% for production area practices; however coverage has historically been up to 90% for new and limited resource farmers, when funding is combined with USDA programs. The length of contracts depends on the expected lifespan of the practices, which is determined by the NRCS. Contact: Jeff Cook at (802) 828-3474 or jeff.cook@agr.state.vt.us

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

The CREP program, a partnership of the VAAFM, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Fish and Wildlife, helps farmers to implement streamside buffers next to crop, hay, or pastured land. It can pay 100% of the costs for the purchase and installation of trees, permanent fencing, stream-crossing and water systems to keep animals out of streams. On projects with grassed buffers, delayed mowed grasses, 90% of the costs are covered. Contracts are for 15 or 30 years. Contact: Laura DiPietro at (802) 828-1289 or laura.dipietro@state.vt.us

Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP)

VAAFM’s FAP program helps farmers to implement conservation practices on a per acre basis for lands not currently in such a program. Five practices are eligible for funding—regardless of whether these practices are new or farmers are already doing them. Farmers are paid for each practice they do: nutrient management plan, updates, cover cropping, strip cropping, conservation crop rotations, and cross-slope tillage. Contact: Matt Kittredge or (802) 828-6908 or matt.kittredge@state.vt.us

Nutrient Management Plan Incentive Grants (NMPIG)

NMPIG was developed to assist farms with nutrient management plan development and implementation. It provides cost-share assistance as well as technical support to Vermont farms of all sizes and livestock types. The program reimburses farmers for plan development, costs of soil, manure, and other waste testing, plan maintenance and updates. Payment is contingent upon meeting nutrient management in the General Permit for Medium Farm Operations (regardless of farm size) and USDA NRCS Technical Practice Code (590) standards. Contact: Abbi Pajak at (802) 828-1397 or abbi.pajak@state.vt.us

Other State Programs

Crop Insurance

VAAFM’s risk management education efforts increase farmers’ understanding of and participation in Federal crop insurance programs as a production risk management tool. Crop insurance programs are administered by the USDA Risk Management Agency. Polices are purchased through private insurance companies with rates subsidized by USDA for increased affordable. Crop insurance programs cover: corn, small grain, forage seeding, apple, nursery, and sweet corn crops. There also is a new policy that protects adjusted gross revenue, instead of specific crops.

Current Use Program

Vermont's Current Use Program offers landowners use-value property taxation based on the productive value of land rather than its development potential to reduce the property tax burden on owners of productive farm and forest lands. In 2000, the current use value of the land in the program averaged about 20 percent of the full fair market.

Energy Efficiency

Efficiency Vermont provides information and resources on how to save energy to make businesses more viable. They have energy-saving tips specifically for dairy farms and rebates for agriculture operations in lighting, motor controls, and commercial refrigeration.