By Jamie Martin
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has awarded more than $3 million in Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grants.
The program supports improvements to Vermont’s food system by funding infrastructure and equipment projects.
Six organizations will share $2.1 million in infrastructure grants. These larger-scale projects aim to boost local food distribution through increased capacity in storage, transportation, processing, and distribution.
In addition, 14 organizations will receive nearly $1 million in equipment-only grants. These grants focus on specialized tools used for middle-of-the-supply-chain operations such as aggregation, processing, and wholesaling of Vermont or regional food products. The equipment must help expand markets, increase production, or offer new product varieties.
“Farms and rural communities are part of what makes Vermont so special,” said Governor Phil Scott. “We’re grateful to have this funding from USDA which will help us make important long-term investments, benefitting the future of Vermont.”
The total $3.1 million in grants was first announced in April 2024 and is part of the USDA’s broader effort to build resilience in local and regional food supply chains.
Anson Tebbetts, Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Infrastructure is vital to the future of Vermont’s regional food system. The small organizations that are receiving these grants make the regional food system work for our producers and consumers and support the public’s access to local food.”
These grants will help improve IT systems, modernize facilities, and promote climate-smart equipment, creating long-term opportunities for Vermont farmers and food producers.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National