Information for Vermont farmers and people who want to help them
For people who want to help Vermont farmers
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be learning more about the full impact of the July ’23 flood on the thousands of acres we’ve conserved and the families and businesses this land supports. What we do know is that Vermont’s farmers have been hit hard in what was already a challenging weather year. We hope you can help them out by buying local and donating to one of these funds dedicated to supporting them:
Center for Ag Economy Vermont Farm Fund
NOFA Farmer Emergency Fund
Intervale Recovery Fund
For farmers seeking assistance
We are including a partial list of funding, loan, and other services available to farmers who were impacted by flooding. If you are a farmer on a land conserved with us, and need to reach your local VLT staff member, you can find their contact information here.
Drone access for assessing damage
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the Agency of Transportation have access to a drone to help you document evidence of crop loss and damage. Please contact uas@uvm.edu to access this resource.
FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program
Report damage to cropland (washouts, gullies, streambank erosion, flood debris) to the Farm Service Agency. The Emergency Conservation Program provides cost share for expenses related to restoring cropland to a productive condition. Find your local FSA contact here.
Center for Agricultural Economy Emergency Loan Fund
The maximum Emergency Loan amount is currently $10,000. This is a zero percent interest loan, payable over 24 months with a flexible payment schedule. Info on how to apply here. If you have questions, you can contact (802) 560-3099 or email them.
Certified organic and NOFA-VT member farms
Farmers may request up to $2,500 in grants for an Emergency Fund that do not need to be repaid. Contact Business Farm Advisor Bill Cavanaugh via email or call (802) 434-7154.
Farm First Mental Health Support
Farm First farmer peers available to talk to any farmers. Farmers can access their resource coordinator, counselor, or peers by contacting (802) 318-5538 between 8am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, and (877) 493-6216 at other times.
Free Soil Testing
UVM Extension is offering free soil testing for flooded farms. Routine soil testing, heavy metal screening, and soil nitrate analysis will be free through August 15th. Please write ‘FLOODED’ on sample submission forms accompanying any soil samples. Get forms here.
Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool
Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs that might be right for you with their online tool.
Additional resources and funding opportunities
Please see more information on the Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s 2023 Flood Recovery webpage.
