State receives record demand for maple grants
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) has awarded over $540,000 in grants to maple producers and processors through the Maple Agriculture Development Grants program, the agency announced April 26. Eleven producers, ranging in size from 500 to 30,000 taps, received funds for operational efficiency, food safety, and climate resilience improvement projects.
“Maple is critical to Vermont and these grants will make it more affordable for producers in our state,” said Governor Phil Scott. “Making long term investments like this will allow maple producers to expand and thrive. Vermont is number one in quality and quantity in maple production and it’s important we continue to support our maple producers however we can.”
The response to these grants was overwhelming. In November of 2023, the Agency received over 350 applications exceeding $18 million in requested funds—the single highest number of applications for a grant program in Agency history. The Agency followed a thorough and in-depth review process leveraging expertise from 60+ maple experts, technical assistance providers, and agricultural business professionals from Vermont, New York, and Maine.
Acting on the recommendation of Governor Scott’s Future of Agriculture Commission, this first-time program will help grow, develop, and sustain maple, produce, and meat businesses throughout the state. This year’s awards represent the largest ever state investment in maple producers.
“These investments are important to the maple industry. We are fortunate to have these dollars for maple producers so they can continue to grow their operations,” said Anson Tebbetts, Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture. “We are grateful the governor included these grants in his budget.”
Tebbetts announced the grant awards at the Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans. The annual event celebrates all things Vermont Maple, bringing together maple vendors, producers, food and more, all recognizing the importance of the Vermont maple industry.
Feedback from maple industry stakeholders—including representatives from producer associations, research institutions, and business viability programs—informed the Agency in the development of the grant program.
Eligible projects were required to address one of four program objectives: business sustainability, business efficiency, climate-change resilience or mitigation, or food safety and/or product quality. Selected projects will produce a range of outcomes, including but not limited to improved production efficiency, improved climate resilience, increased sap purchasing/processing, lead remediation, reduced labor, and achievement of Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association Sugarhouse Certification. Projects will run through mid-2025.
The only awardee in Rutland or Windsor County was Idle Hour Maple (located at 1911 North Grove St. Rutland), which will receive $22,669 for installation of vacuum monitoring system for steep sloped operation.
