FARMER'S WATERSHED ALLIANCE
Grants and Funding
Updated December 1, 2025
Dairy Farmer Modernization and Improvement Grant
This grant will fund projects that help dairy farmers improve their operations for long-term success. Eligible projects may modernize outdated systems or introduce innovative solutions to improve farm viability, reduce climate impacts, improve milk quality or value, improve worker conditions, and strengthen the farm’s ability to respond to challenges.
Due December 4th. more information can be found here.
Harvest and Post-Harvest Food Safety Grant
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is accepting applications for the Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling Food Safety Grant. The purpose of this one-time funding is to provide infrastructure or equipment for operations performing harvest and post-harvest activities in either the meat or produce sector in Vermont. Applications will be accepted through Friday, December 5, 2025 at 1:59 PM. More information can be found here.
The Northeast SARE Farmer Grant program Now Open
provides funds to farmers to explore innovative concepts in sustainable agriculture conducted through experiments, surveys, prototypes, on-farm demonstrations or other research and education techniques.
Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on December 9, 2025. More information can be found here.
Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant
Grants to support Vermont working lands businesses.
Due December 11th at 2:00pm. More information can be found here.
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Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AgCWIP) Funding Opportunity - Now Open!
Ag-CWIP grants provide funding opportunities related to organizational capacity development, education and outreach, and technical assistance activities that contribute to the following three priorities of AgCWIP:
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Agricultural Water Quality Regulatory Compliance
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Agricultural Source Pollution Reduction
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Economic and Environmental Viability of Vermont farms
Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026. More information can be found here.
Lake Champlain Basin Program
The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) is requesting proposals for 3 funding categories.
Due January 5th, 2026 the organizational support grant seeks to fund projects that increase organizational capacity and long-term effectiveness of watershed organizations working in the Lake Champlain Basin.
LCBP is also requesting proposals for Education and Outreach. The intent of this funding opportunity is to support efforts to enhance the knowledge and understanding by members of the public, including children and adults, of the water quality and ecosystem health issues identified in Opportunities for Action and/or foster informed decision-making, individual action, and behavior change that will benefit Lake Champlain. Small implementation grants are due December 15th and large implementation grants are due January 5th. More information on all 3 grants can be found here.
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Vermont Farmworker Housing Repair Loan Program
Agency: Champlain Housing Trust
Year- round Programs
Best Management Practice (BMP) Program & Engineering Services
Agency: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Deadline: year-round
Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program
Agency: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Deadline: year-round
Seeding and Filter Strip (SFS) Program
Agency: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Deadline: year-round
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Agency: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Deadline: year-round
Other Resources
2025 Guide to Assistance for Agricultural Producers of Vermont
Developed by Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District. Applicable statewide and to various ag-related sectors.
Programs available to Vermont farmers.
Developed by UVM Extension to help new farmers access resources, plan, and problem solve.
Free service for Vermont farmers and their family members to access resources that can help in overcoming personal and work-related issues that cause stress.
Loans available to Vermont farmers and food producers.