$6.9 million is available for Vt organic dairy farmers

Vermont organic dairy farmers are encouraged to apply for relief funding. A grant funding designed to mitigate the extreme market challenges in 2022, including high feed and input costs was made available in the state budget which began on July 1, for $6.9 million.

Eligible dairy farmers who apply will receive a single payment of $5 per hundredweight of organic milk produced in 2022. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is responsible for the application process and distribution of funds.  The application is now available online. 

All qualifying applications will be processed in the order they are received. Agency staff will be verifying information submitted for this program with established records. All documents must be correct and complete before payment can be issued. This includes receipt of your 2022 production information, a W-9, and a submitted application.

The application period for this relief program closes Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.  Any unallocated funds will be diverted to other programs on Dec. 31.

For more information, visit: agriculture.vermont.gov/administration/vermont-organic-dairy-relief-program.