GAPs program

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Good Agricultural Practices Capital Improvement Grant Program. The Vermont Legislature created this matching grant program to help with capital investments made by Vermont agricultural producers who want to get certification for the Good Agricultural Practices program.
The GAP Capital Improvement Grant Program goals promote food safety, increase sales of Vermont fruits and vegetables and create/maintain jobs by enhancing market access. Both GAPs-certified producers and those who want GAPs certification are eligible to apply.
A total of $50,000 was disbursed in the first round earlier this year, and an additional $50,000 is available in this second grant round. There is a maximum cap among all GAPs Capital Improvements Program grants of $10,000 per farm, and farms must contribute a minimum of 50% of the total project costs. Grants will be disbursed through a competitive process. Applications are due no later than December 16, 2011 at 5 p.m.
Please contact Chelsea Bardot Lewis, Agricultural Development Coordinator, at 802-828-3360 or chelsea.lewis@state.vt.us for the full application packet or more information.
As always, you can contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives