The Farm to Institution Market Development Grant, previously known as the Local Food Market Development Grant, is a funding opportunity provided by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets. This grant aims to enhance market development opportunities for local food producers, specifically targeting institutional markets within Vermont. The program is designed to improve access and engagement between local producers and various institutions, including schools, hospitals, colleges, correctional facilities, and other local entities. The total funding available for this competitive grant is $30,000, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.

The primary purpose of the grant is to increase institutional market opportunities for at least one Vermont farm business and to boost the amount of local food purchased and served in Vermont institutions. Successful proposals will focus on collaboration, the establishment of new sales relationships, or the enhancement of existing ones. Additionally, proposals should emphasize values-based procurement practices for institutions that provide meals to Vermont residents. A key aspect of competitive proposals is the demonstration of a strong potential for long-term partnerships between Vermont farms and institutions.

Eligible projects must meet specific criteria, including the requirement to increase sales for at least one Vermont farm and to enhance the volume of local food served in Vermont institutions. The grant can cover various expenses, including personnel costs, supply costs, equipment costs, and stipends. Each successful grantee will have a two-year period from the signing of their grant agreement to utilize the funds and fulfill all necessary deliverables.

This grant opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants, including any Vermont farm or food business, producer associations, and supply chain facilitators such as non-profit organizations and food hubs. To be considered for funding, applicants must comply with state regulations and maintain good standing with the State of Vermont. A 25 percent match is required for the grant, meaning that applicants must contribute a portion of the project costs.

Submission requirements and application questions are detailed in the grant guidelines, which can be accessed through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets website. The evaluation criteria for proposals will focus on the potential impact on local food sales, the strength of partnerships formed, and the sustainability of the proposed initiatives.

The application deadline for this grant is October 23, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines thoroughly and prepare their proposals in advance of this date. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Gina Clithero at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets via email or phone. This grant represents a significant opportunity for Vermont producers to engage with local institutions and expand their market reach.