Farm to Institution Market Development Grants
Farm to Institution Market Development Grants support Vermont farms and food supply chain partners with market development projects to expand institutional sales and increase local food purchased and served.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Due Dates: September 14, 2026 (FY27 applications open) | September 30, 2026 at 10 AM (Applicant webinar) | October 26, 2026 at 1:59 PM (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$30,000 per award; $30,000 total available; two-year grant period
Summary: Supports market development projects that increase Vermont farms’ institutional sales opportunities and the local food purchased and served in Vermont institutions.
Key Information: Applicants must demonstrate matching funds equal to 25% of the grant award, using cash, in-kind contributions, or both.
Description
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets administers this competitive grant to improve local food producers’ access to Vermont institutional markets. Projects expand opportunities for farms to sell to institutions and increase the amount of local food purchased and served. Institutional settings include schools, colleges and universities, early childhood education facilities, correctional facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Supported activities may include infrastructure, marketing, and other work that increases institutional food sales.
The program emphasizes collaboration, new or deeper sales relationships, values-based procurement, and lasting partnerships between Vermont farms and institutions serving meals to Vermont residents. Formerly the Local Food Market Development Grant, it shifted its focus in 2023 to institutional market development, removing broader wholesale market access as a funding priority.
