COVID Relief Ag Assistance Program Now Open for Applications

The Agriculture and Working Lands Assistance program (formerly the Non-Dairy Agricultural Producer and Processor Assistance Program, read the press release here) is accepting applications from agricultural producers, commercial meat and poultry processors, commercial slaughterhouses, and farmers’ markets. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Currently the application deadline is Oct. 1st but Rural Vermont anticipates that the Legislature will make some critical improvements to this funding program, including extending the application deadline to Nov. 15th. Stay tuned for updates on these changes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

  • Visit the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets website (use automated chat feature for asking questions);

  • Read the application guide, review this page-by-page summary of the application, check if you’re eligible with the flow chart, and prepare the required documentation before starting you application.

  • Contact the AAFM hotline (802) 828-2430  select  #9  or email AGR.CovidResponse@vermont.gov to ask questions

  • Please share your concerns and needs with Rural Vermont by contacting caroline@ruralvermont.org so we can help communicate them to VAAFM.

FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) Farm Viability Program is providing direct technical assistance with the application. Visit their website and complete their intake form;

  • For more information, contact Mariah Noth (Mariah@vhcb.org or 802-828-1098).

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

(1) Farmers, food production businesses, commercial meat and poultry processors, commercial slaughterhouses, farmers’ markets, as well forest products businesses, dairy producers or processors, and agriculture producer associations are eligible. Find the definitions of these categories on the VAAFM webpage.

(2) To be eligible your business entity must have gross annual income of at least $10,000 to apply. (NOTE: The Legislature is expected to make a change that will provide eligibility for farmers markets that have less than $10K in annual income.) 

(3) Your business must have verifiable losses and/or expenses since March 1, 2020 associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency. Applicants should complete a W-9 form and provide all required documentation.

HOW TO APPLY

The current deadline to apply is October 1, 2020. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis, so it is important to submit your application as soon as possible. 

Let us know about your experiences with the application process and reach out to us with any barriers you encounter in the application process. Contact caroline@ruralvermont.org

Rural Vermont