Vermont Awards Funds to Boost Specialty Crop Farms
Vermont is directing $333,428 to projects aimed at strengthening the state's fruit, vegetable, maple, nursery, and other specialty crop industries. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to a community announcement. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets administers the federal funding in the state.
“These investments are critical to strengthening our rural economy, supporting our working lands, and helping the people who make their living off the land,” said Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “Supporting agriculture is investing in Vermont’s future.”
Since the program began in 2006, Vermont's branch of it has invested more than $4.5 million in projects benefiting the state's specialty crop producers.
Project Recipients
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Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District: Will work to strengthen Vermont's floriculture industry through education, technical assistance, and networking opportunities for flower farmers.
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University of Vermont: Will expand its Pest Scouting and Monitoring Network for vegetable and berry producers, providing region-specific pest reports to improve pest management capacity statewide.
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Village Hydroponics: Will develop tools, resources, and training focused on growing specialty crops through container-based winter hydroponic production.
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets: Will lead four projects focused on specialty crops.
More information is available at agriculture.vermont.gov/specialtycrop.
This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing, and publishing process.