Farm to Institution Market Development Grants
Farm to Institution Market Development Grants support Vermont farms and food producers through projects that build institutional markets and increase the local food purchased and served in Vermont.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Due Dates: October 26, 2026 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$30,000 per award; two years to expend funds
Summary: Supports projects that connect Vermont farms with institutions and increase local food purchases and service.
Key Information: Applicants must demonstrate matching funds equal to 25% of the grant award.
Description
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets runs this competitive grant to develop institutional markets for local food producers. It supports projects that improve Vermont producers’ access to schools, hospitals, colleges, correctional facilities, early childhood education facilities, nursing homes, and other institutions serving meals to Vermont residents.
Projects must expand market opportunities for at least one Vermont farm business and increase the local food purchased and served by Vermont institutions. The program favors collaboration between farms and institutions, new or deeper sales relationships, values-based procurement, and partnerships likely to last. Formerly the Local Food Market Development Grant, it now focuses on institutional markets rather than wholesale market access more broadly.
