Information & Support to Access VT State COVID-19 Grants for Farmers

Rural Vermont acknowledges the need to spread the available information on all Agriculture Assistance Programs fast; help producers, processors, farmers markets, and slaughterhouse- managers find the answers to their questions; and make referrals to technical assistance providers where needed. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Visit the VHCB website and complete their intake form;

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

Dairy Assistance Program – Application launch 7/17 @ noon

VAAFM prioritized the launch of the Dairy Assistance Program. The program opened for applications on 7/17 at noon. Join a VAAFM webinar either on July 21, 22, or 23 to learn more about this program. Here’s a brief overview of the eligibility criteria and the documentation needed. 

Eligibility criteria:

  • Dairy Producers and Processors (see definitions in Act 138). 

  • In good standing with VAAFM

  • Producing milk or dairy products (on March 1st or have a plan to restart production of some commodity)

    • “Commodity” will be interpreted as any agricultural product.  

    • IMPORTANT NOTE: producers/processors that went out of business due to CoVid-19 will not be eligible for this program.

  • Experienced economic harm between March 1- December 30, 2020 through evidence of lost revenue or COVID-related expenses

  • Only one State grant from COVID Relief Funds

Documentation needed:

  • Unique Dairy ID number, provided by VAAFM via email in the week of July 13, 2020. For every unique Dairy ID, a distinct application is required.

  • W-9 form (mailed or emailed)

  • Total amount of funding received from other federal or state aid to avoid duplicative payments. VAAFM is interested in, e.g. PPP, EIDL, and Dairy Margin Coverage Program funds.

  • Documentation of 

    • all additional expenses, e.g. selection of PPE, cleaning and sanitation supplies, workplace changes worker housing, loss of product, etc.  

    • or lost revenue since March 1, 2020 (receipts, invoices, etc.). Producer Application will be prompted to upload milk check or invoice plus indicate volume of milk weight/ month.

DOWNSIDES AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AG ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: 

VAAFM has prioritized the launch of the Dairy Assistance Program. As noted above, that program opened for applications (7/17) at noon. The downside of this program is that funds are capped, and that producers who went out of business (and who do not intend to restart production of some commodity), will NOT be eligible. Read more about the eligibility criteria of the Dairy Assistance Program here.

We are eager to learn more from AAFM and VEDA about the implementation of the Non-Dairy Assistance Program by early August. The downside here is the non-dairy program is only for producers and processors who did not have any net business profit between March 1 and August 1, 2020. Rural Vermont and NOFA-VT are deeply concerned the requirement could further delay and limit access to the programs. There is a very short implementation timeline that allows for unallocated funds to be reverted to the Dairy Assistance Program after September 15.

Learn more about the programs, and express your questions and concerns, through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture website (hotline 802-828-2430 and agr.covidresponse@vermont.gov).

Rural Vermont