Sustainable Agriculture Grants and Projects
The old adage that big is better has never made sense in Vermont, where small is a beautiful way of life. VSJF grants and technical assistance have supported a diverse mix of sustainable agriculture organizations, businesses, projects, and studies. From organics and community supported agriculture, to maple syrup and emus, $1.9 million in VSJF grants and leveraged funds over the past ten years have contributed to a vibrant, diversified food system. Today, the localvore movement (eating locally grown and produced food) has taken hold and demand for organic and/or local food shows no signs of slowing down.
Recent Grants
2008:
- Community Action Brattleboro Area: $5,000 grant to conduct feasibility work related to the proposed Southern Vermont Food Enterprise Center (SVFEC). The SVFEC will encompass a combination of services that will incubate small food business start-ups, and provide the regionally-scaled agricultural infrastructure necessary to stimulate growth, as well as support an increase in the economic activity and profitability of local livestock farmers.
- Composting Association of Vermont: $5,000 grant to convene a regulatory review stakeholder process, and develop recommendations for citing composting facilities in Vermont. This stakeholder led initiative, dubbed Legal Compost, will begin to address the gap between Vermont’s current regulations for handling compostable materials and the needs of the State’s communities and environment.
2007:
- The Intervale Center: Frank & Brinna Sands Foundation and VT State General Funds grant to work with consultant to define the role of social enterprise in the Intervale Center’s strategic plan. The Intervale Center will share lessons learned with other interested nonprofits.
Recent Projects (VSJF staff-driven activities or fee-for-service work)
- 2007 Farmers Market Map and Guide (created for NOFA-VT)
- 2007 Farmers Market Map (google)
- Vermont CSAs Map and Guide (created for NOFA-VT and the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture)
- Vermont CSAs Map (google)
- Vermont Coops Map and Guide (created for NOFA-VT and the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture)
- Vermont Coops Map (google)
Photo credit: All images in the banner courtesy of the Intervale
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