Resources for Organic Farmers in Vermont
Information, Services and Support for Vermont's Organic Vegetable and Fruit Growers
Articles, Fact Sheets and Links to other helpful sites, Alphabetized by topic
All About Growing—Start Here
Vermont Vegetable and Berry Page, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension
One of the first places vegetable and berry farmers should visit is the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Page maintained by Vern Grubinger, Ph.D. This site contains a plethora of resources on every topic, including: soils, production, pests, food-processing, marketing, pricing, organizations, events, and even alternative energy on farms. As the State’s Extension Vegetable and Berry Specialist, Vern visits farms upon request to examine problems and offer advice.
Especially For New Farmers
Center of Sustainable Agriculture
The Center for Sustainable Agriculture was established in 1994 as a unit within the University of Vermont to integrate university and community expertise to promote sustainable farming systems throughout Vermont and the region.
Land Link Vermont
Land Link Vermont works to connect beginning and relocating farmers with farmland and farming opportunities in Vermont and to help participants make informed decisions about farm start-up and transfer issues.
Vermont Land Trust
Vermont Land Trust’s Farmland Access Program VT Land Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving working land for the future of Vermont. Their Farmland Access Program with Land Link Vermont helps farmers gain access to quality and affordable farmland.
Vermont New Farmer Network
The Vermont New Farmer Network is a working group of agricultural organizations committed to serving the needs of new and aspiring farmers in Vermont.
Vermont Vegetable and Berry Page, University of Vermont Extension
One of the first places vegetable and berry farmers should visit is the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Page maintained by Vern Grubinger, Ph.D. This site contains a plethora of resources on every topic, including: soils, production, pests, food-processing, marketing, pricing, organizations, events, and even alternative energy on farms. As the State’s Extension Vegetable and Berry Specialist, Vern visits farms upon request to examine problems and offer advice.
Women’s Agricultural Network (WAgN)
WAgN provides education and technical assistance to those individuals interested in starting or expanding their agricultural endeavors.
Informational Links
ATTRA
Looking for the latest in sustainable agriculture and organic farming news, events and funding opportunities? ATTRA features all that, plus in-depth publications on production practices, alternative crop and livestock enterprises, innovative marketing, organic certification, and highlights of local, regional, USDA and other federal sustainable Ag activities.
Center of Sustainable Agriculture
The Center for Sustainable Agriculture was established in 1994 as a unit within the University of Vermont to integrate university and community expertise to promote sustainable farming systems throughout Vermont and the region.
Growing for Market
Growing for Market is a monthly magazine for small scale growers providing information about growing and marketing produce, herbs, and flowers.
Northeast SARE
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education provides grants and information to improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life. Farmer Grants test new crops, practices and systems through on-site experiments and share the results with other farmers. Grants average about $5,200, and are capped at $10,000. Farmer Grant applications are due in December.
The New Farm
The Rodale Institute’s website reaches out to food producers to exchange valuable “farmer-to-farmer know-how.” The website presents expert resources for crop and livestock production, direct marketing, local food systems, policy campaigns and community-building collaborations.
Vermont Vegetable and Berry Page, University of Vermont Extension
One of the first places vegetable and berry farmers should visit is the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Page maintained by Vern Grubinger, Ph.D. This site contains a plethora of resources on every topic, including: soils, production, pests, food-processing, marketing, pricing, organizations, events, and even alternative energy on farms. As the State’s Extension Vegetable and Berry Specialist, Vern visits farms upon request to examine problems and offer advice.
Farmer Technical Assistance
Cold Climate Grape Production, University of Vermont Extension
Lorraine P. Berkett, Ph.D., the University of Vermont’s Extension Professor IPM Specialist, has assembled information on ecological production methods and IMP alerts for grapes information.
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association's (MOFGA) Pest Reports
MOFGA's Organic Crop Specialist, Eric Sideman, Ph.D., periodically compiles pest reports for farmers and gardeners.
Perry's Perennial Pages, University of Vermont Extension
Leonard Perry’s, Ph.D., the University of Vermont’s Extension Greenhouse and Nursery Specialist, site has information on selecting and growing hardy ornamental perennials in Vermont. Leonard visits grower’s operations upon request to examine problems and offer advice.
Plant Diagnostic Clinic, University of Vermont Extension
Ann Hazelrigg manages the University of Vermont’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Their web-based materials help growers identify common insects and diseases. The Plant Diagnostic Clinic identifies of diseases, plants, weeds, and plant insects encountered by Vermont agricultural operations. Ann visits farms upon request to examine problems and offer advice.
UVM Apple Program
Lorraine P. Berkett, Ph.D., the University of Vermont’s Extension Professor IPM Specialist in Apples, has developed ecological production methods for apples. Her site has cultural information and IMP alerts. Lorraine is part of a multi-state organic apple project for growers: Organic Apple Production. She visits orchards upon request to examine problems and offer advice.
University of Vermont Extension
Located throughout the state, University of Vermont Extension links Farms to UVM to specialists that provide timely, research-based information and education. Their “Extension A-Z” lists all their programs, resources, and information.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) - Vermont
NRCS puts nearly 70 years of experience to work in assisting farmers with conservation. Their programs provide technical assistance and cost-share to farmers for implementing good conservation practices that improve environmental quality.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM)
VAAFM has a great “Subject Index” that lists all the farm programs in the State, including programs, practices, and rules.
Vermont Farm Service Agency (FSA)
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers and manages many farm financial programs. These programs include: the farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster, and loan programs. It has a network of federal, state and county offices that serve farmers. Their loan programs can help farmers buy land, build and upgrade facilities to meet expanding markets.
Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program
The Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program provides farmers with business planning and technical assistance through consultants, which is tailored to a farmer’s needs. Farmers assess the farm operation’s strengths and weaknesses for possible management changes to increase profitability. On-farm consultations result in a written business plan. NOFA-VT is a provider for this program; if you want to work with NOFA-VT consultants you must say so on your application.
Vermont Small Business Development Center
The Vermont SBDC’s goal is to spur Vermont's economy by helping its small businesses succeed and grow. The SBDC mission is to strengthen existing business entities, and assist start-ups through high quality, no cost counseling, and high quality, affordable training programs.
Vermont Vegetable and Berry Page, University of Vermont Extension
One of the first places vegetable and berry farmers should visit is the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Page maintained by Vern Grubinger, Ph.D. This site contains a plethora of resources on every topic, including: soils, production, pests, food-processing, marketing, pricing, organizations, events, and even alternative energy on farms. As the State’s Extension Vegetable and Berry Specialist, Vern visits farms upon request to examine problems and offer advice.
Women’s Agricultural Network
WAgN provides education and technical assistance to those individuals interested in starting or expanding their agricultural endeavors.
Networks or Grower Organizations
Organic Trade Association
OTA is a membership-based business association for the organic industry in North America.
Vermont Farms! Association
The Vermont Farms Association is an organization of farmers offering on-farm educational experiences.
Vermont Fresh Network
The Vermont Fresh Network builds innovative partnerships among farmers, chefs and consumers to strengthen Vermont's agriculture.
Vermont New Farmer Network
The Vermont New Farmer Network is a working group of agricultural organizations committed to serving the needs of new and aspiring farmers in Vermont.
Vermont Vegetable & Berry Growers Association
This diverse grower organization promotes the economic, environmental and social sustainability of vegetable and berry farming in Vermont through education, promotion and communication among growers.
Organic Certification & Farming
Vermont Organic Farmers Certification (VOF)
The VOF page has guidelines on organic production, the process, fees, and deadlines, forms for required record keeping, and resources and articles for organic growers.
Organic Research
Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC)
The OACC conducts organic farming research and provides knowledge transfer and extension services for organic farmers.
Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF)
OFRF works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming practices.
Northeast SARE
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education provides grants and information to improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life. Farmer Grants test new crops, practices and systems through on-site experiments and share the results with other farmers. Grants average about $5,200, and are capped at $10,000. Farmer Grant applications are due in December.
Funding sources for the NOFA Vermont Vegetable and Fruit Technical Assistance Program include:
- The John Merck Fund
- The USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)
- Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program
Contact us:
NOFA VT, PO Box 697
Richmond, Vermont 05477
Phone: 802-434-4122