Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Capital Improvement Grant
FY2011 Request for Applications
I. BACKGROUND
A. Funding Source and Available Funds
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) received $100,000 from the Vermont Legislature to provide matching grants for capital investments that will support Vermont agricultural producers in obtaining GAP certification. There is a maximum cap among all GAP Capital Improvements Program grants of $10,000 per farm, and farms must contribute a minimum of 50% of the total project costs.
This funding will be disbursed in two grant rounds, with the first grant round open from July 1 to September 30, 2011. A total of $50,000 is available in the first grant round, and will be made available to producers for eligible expenses in the order that applications are received. Applications received after first round grant funds are fully expended will be automatically considered in the second round of funding. The second round will open on November 1, 2011.
Please note that all farmers who undergo a USDA GAP audit through VAAFM are also eligible for a reimbursement of up to $500 of audit costs, for a maximum of two growing seasons or $1000 per farm. Audit costs are not an eligible expense for the GAP Capital Improvement Grant. Please contact Chelsea Bardot Lewis at 802-828-3360 for more information.
B. Eligibility and Program Goals
The goals of the GAP Capital Improvement Grant Program are to increase sales of Vermont fruits and vegetables by maintaining or increasing market access and promoting food safety. To be eligible for funding the participant must be in good standing with the Agency of Agriculture regarding regulatory requirements and resulting penalties.
Current GAP-certified producers, or those who are looking towards GAP certification are eligible. By June 30, 2012, producers must either 1) obtain GAP certification; 2) create a food safety plan that will bring them closer to their goal of GAP certification; or 3) have an appointment with a GAP auditor to begin the audit process.
Pre-approved uses for this grant include: Water systems, delivery and treatment devices and improvements Fixed or portable restrooms Hand-washing sinks (mobile or stationary) Crop production equipment to reduce food safety risks Field harvest systems to reduce food safety risks
Cooler walls and refrigeration units Packing-shed walls, ceilings, and light fixtures Drainage systems in coolers and packing sheds Fencing
Additional uses may be proposed.
C. Application and Review Process
The full application format is provided below. This grant application must be fully completed, signed, and submitted to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, hereby referred to as the Agency, for eligibility. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee composed of representatives of the Agency, UVM-Extension, NOFA-VT, and producer groups.
If selected, you will be notified by the Agency. We expect to notify applicants of funding decisions within 4 weeks of the application receipt. Successful applicants will have to sign grant agreements and submit W-9 forms to the Agency before funds can be disbursed.
Application Instructions
1. Fill out the cover sheet
2. Answer the application questions.
3. Fill out the one-page budget form, and attach a budget narrative, showing and describing the sources and uses of funding for your project. Be sure to show the required 50% funding match from sources other than the GAP Capital Improvements Grant Program.
4. Mail or email the completed application materials to:
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
116 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
Email: chelsea.lewis@state.vt.us Email Chelsea Lewis to get the application forms.
Application assistance: If you need assistance with your application, please contact Chelsea Bardot Lewis, Agriculture Development Coordinator at 802-828-3360 or chelsea.lewis@state.vt.us.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
FEMA News Release
SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT FEMA, NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR
BURLINGTON, VT – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has recently incorporated the latest high-tech ways of getting the word out about disaster assistance, including websites, mobile applications and cell phones. However, one of the best ways to spread information is still the old-fashioned way: word-of-mouth.
That’s why officials from FEMA and Vermont Emergency Management are encouraging Vermonters who have experienced damage from the spring flooding and already registered for disaster assistance to let their friends and neighbors know that help may be available.
“Vermont is the kind of state where we talk to our neighbors,” said VEM’s director Mike O’Neil. “So if you know someone who has experienced damage from the recent flooding, encourage them to register for disaster assistance.”
To register for disaster assistance, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Multilingual registration assistance is also available. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly, or 800-621-3362, if using 711 or Video Relay Service. Registration can also be done online anytime at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or through web-enabled mobile phone devices or smartphones at m.fema.gov.
“I couldn’t believe I was the only one on my block to apply,” said Laurie Singer of Essex, VT. Singer’s foundation was inundated with ground-flooding, which damaged her boiler and hot-water heater. “When I told my neighbors they should apply, they didn’t think they would get anything. I applied on a Thursday, and a week later, the funds to replace and repair the damage were in my bank account. I was really impressed by how efficiently FEMA has been handling the flooding. I knocked on doors, and told my neighbors because some of them had more damage than I did.”
“Even if you think you may not be eligible, you should register and find out,” said FEMA’s federal coordinating officer Craig Gilbert. “FEMA assistance includes programs from many different agencies and organizations.”
FEMA grants may cover rental assistance, home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. The objective is to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. Other Needs Assistance grants may be available to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental and transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable-aid programs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for losses not covered by insurance. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Also, up to $2 million may be available for businesses and nonprofit organizations for their uncompensated disaster losses.
No one is obligated to accept a loan. However, a completed SBA loan application may open the door to other possible forms of assistance.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585. If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 1-800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from http://www.sba.gov/ or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
BURLINGTON, VT – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has recently incorporated the latest high-tech ways of getting the word out about disaster assistance, including websites, mobile applications and cell phones. However, one of the best ways to spread information is still the old-fashioned way: word-of-mouth.
That’s why officials from FEMA and Vermont Emergency Management are encouraging Vermonters who have experienced damage from the spring flooding and already registered for disaster assistance to let their friends and neighbors know that help may be available.
“Vermont is the kind of state where we talk to our neighbors,” said VEM’s director Mike O’Neil. “So if you know someone who has experienced damage from the recent flooding, encourage them to register for disaster assistance.”
To register for disaster assistance, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Multilingual registration assistance is also available. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly, or 800-621-3362, if using 711 or Video Relay Service. Registration can also be done online anytime at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or through web-enabled mobile phone devices or smartphones at m.fema.gov.
“I couldn’t believe I was the only one on my block to apply,” said Laurie Singer of Essex, VT. Singer’s foundation was inundated with ground-flooding, which damaged her boiler and hot-water heater. “When I told my neighbors they should apply, they didn’t think they would get anything. I applied on a Thursday, and a week later, the funds to replace and repair the damage were in my bank account. I was really impressed by how efficiently FEMA has been handling the flooding. I knocked on doors, and told my neighbors because some of them had more damage than I did.”
“Even if you think you may not be eligible, you should register and find out,” said FEMA’s federal coordinating officer Craig Gilbert. “FEMA assistance includes programs from many different agencies and organizations.”
FEMA grants may cover rental assistance, home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. The objective is to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. Other Needs Assistance grants may be available to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental and transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable-aid programs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for losses not covered by insurance. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Also, up to $2 million may be available for businesses and nonprofit organizations for their uncompensated disaster losses.
No one is obligated to accept a loan. However, a completed SBA loan application may open the door to other possible forms of assistance.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585. If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 1-800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from http://www.sba.gov/ or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
June Forums to Focus on State Comprehensive Energy Plan Update
June Forums to Focus on State Comprehensive Energy Plan Update
***Your input is needed!***
Goal: Comprehensive Energy Plan to be Completed &
on Governor’s desk by Oct 15;
Implementation of VT’s Energy Plan is the central piece of this work!
Community energy committee leaders, planners and the general public are all invited to attend one of the following:
§ June 1 — Montpelier — 6-9 p.m. National Life. Co-hosted by the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission and Two Rivers Ottauquechee Planning Commission
§ June 9 — Springfield - Riverside Middle School — 6-9 p.m. In cooperation with Windham Regional Commission, Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission and the Two Rivers Ottauquechee Planning Commission
§ June 16 — Rutland — Leahy Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center — 6-9 p.m. Co-hosted by the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Addison County Regional Planning Commission and Bennington County Planning Commission
To guide the state in making some complex and strategic choices on how Vermont will meet its energy needs far into the future, the Department of Public Service recently commenced a much-needed update to Vermont’s Comprehensive Energy Plan, last officially adopted in 1998. Without a current, comprehensive and coordinated approach to meeting our energy needs, Vermont will face significant challenges. Without the active participation of Vermonters in identifying and implementing solutions, the necessary planning and accompanying action will be even harder.
To hear from Vermonters on this important topic, the DPS recently held two initial public stakeholder meetings on the plan. Now, prior to a more aggressive public outreach, public hearings, and official public comment period in August, the DPS is hosting a series of gatherings in a handful of regions across Vermont to hear from energy-interested Vermonter
In cooperation with regional planning commissions, the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) and the Vermont Natural Resources Council, the DPS is coordinating four focused forums to hear from Vermonters, including the network of 100 community energy committees, about the policies, programs and practices that would help Vermont meet its energy goals.
The DPS is also coordinating closely with other state agencies that have important roles to play in the conversation, including the agencies of natural resources, transportation, commerce and community development and agriculture, among others. The DPS hopes to get specific feedback on strategies for Vermont to address
· energy issues
· energy opportunities
· All associated with
1. how we develop and use our land,
2. how we move people,
3. how we use and conserve energy
4. and how we generate new supplies.
The DPS wants to hear about plans already in place at the regional and town level and about practices that have started to make a difference for Vermont’s energy future.
Please join the Department of Public Service and other forum conveners to share your ideas, concerns and questions on the state energy plan. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to weigh in and offer specific suggestions to shape Vermont’s energy future.
Please save one of these date and plan to join the conversation. June 1, June 9 or June 16.
For more information contact: Kelly Launder, Asst. Dir. Planning & Energy Resources Division, Vermont Dept. of Public Service, 802-828-4039, kelly.launder@state.vt.us or Johanna Miller, VNRC Energy Program Dir. & VECAN Coordinator at 802-223-2328 ext. 112 or jmiller@vnrc.org or Nancy Nottermann, CVRPC Energy Coordinator at 802-229-0389 or nottermann@cvregion.com for the June 1 Forum.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Northfield Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Northfield's Hazard Mitigation Plan is currently being updated and available for review and comments. Please contact Jennifer at mojo@cvregion.com if you would like to review and make comments.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Build Your Best Future--Heart and Soul Community Planning
Build Your Best Future
Submit a Heart & Soul Community Planning Proposal
Are you looking for a way to help your community realize its potential and create a better future?
Orton has issued a Request for Proposals seeking four Heart & Soul Community Planning project towns in the Northeast and Rocky Mountains. Selected towns will be eligible for up to $100K in funding and support from the Foundation.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get engaged, define your path, and prepare your community for all the change that lies ahead.
Read the complete RFP www.orton.org/projects/rfp
Proposals are due July 20, 2011.
We’re also hosting a FREE conference call series designed to help you understand the essential elements of Heart & Soul, and what you’ll need to prepare a proposal. The series begins on May 4th, so register today!
Submit a Heart & Soul Community Planning Proposal
Are you looking for a way to help your community realize its potential and create a better future?
Orton has issued a Request for Proposals seeking four Heart & Soul Community Planning project towns in the Northeast and Rocky Mountains. Selected towns will be eligible for up to $100K in funding and support from the Foundation.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get engaged, define your path, and prepare your community for all the change that lies ahead.
Read the complete RFP www.orton.org/projects/rfp
Proposals are due July 20, 2011.
We’re also hosting a FREE conference call series designed to help you understand the essential elements of Heart & Soul, and what you’ll need to prepare a proposal. The series begins on May 4th, so register today!
Lcoal Food System Presentation, Waitsfield
Local Food System Presentation
5/10 - 7 PM Big Picture -
How can Vermont build strong local and regional food systems, create jobs in the food
and farm economy, and improve access to healthy local food? The Vermont
Sustainable Jobs Fund has laid out an impressive road map for the next 10
years of agricultural development with the release of the Farm to Plate (F2P)
Strategic Plan in January 2011. Ellen Kahler, Executive Director Vermont
Sustainable Jobs Fund, will lead this presentation to discuss the findings of
the Initiative's exhaustive 18-month research project and present their
strategies to increase jobs and enterprises in the farm and food sector and
ramp up local food production and consumption in Vermont and regions
beyond our borders. Current Mad River Valley initiatives will be discussed.
This presentation is cosponsored by Mad River Localvore Project and
MRVPD.
5/10 - 7 PM Big Picture -
How can Vermont build strong local and regional food systems, create jobs in the food
and farm economy, and improve access to healthy local food? The Vermont
Sustainable Jobs Fund has laid out an impressive road map for the next 10
years of agricultural development with the release of the Farm to Plate (F2P)
Strategic Plan in January 2011. Ellen Kahler, Executive Director Vermont
Sustainable Jobs Fund, will lead this presentation to discuss the findings of
the Initiative's exhaustive 18-month research project and present their
strategies to increase jobs and enterprises in the farm and food sector and
ramp up local food production and consumption in Vermont and regions
beyond our borders. Current Mad River Valley initiatives will be discussed.
This presentation is cosponsored by Mad River Localvore Project and
MRVPD.
Woodland Landowner Summit
Woodland Landowner Summit
4/30/2011 Fairlee – The VT Dept. of Forests
Parks & Recreation and VNRC are cosponsoring a daylong summit entitled
Keeping Forests for the Future: Planning a Legacy for your Woodland at
Lake Morey Inn. The day will be packed with useful information for both
landowners and professionals who work with landowners to learn about ways
to plan ahead for the long-term viability of forests in Vermont. The day will
include: Aa panel of landowners discussing long-term planning they have
done to prepare for transfer of land from one generation to the next; Sessions
to help landowners and resource professionals understand options for longterm
planning such as talking to children about long-term forest ownership,
forming limited liability corporations, exploring easements, cooperative
forestland ownership, and much more. Estate planning lawyers, financial
planners and other experts will help lead the workshops; Information for
landowners that donʼt have heirs and are wondering what to do, as well as
information for landowners whose children are not interested in the family
property. For more info visit: http://www.vnrc.org/forest/landowner-summit.
4/30/2011 Fairlee – The VT Dept. of Forests
Parks & Recreation and VNRC are cosponsoring a daylong summit entitled
Keeping Forests for the Future: Planning a Legacy for your Woodland at
Lake Morey Inn. The day will be packed with useful information for both
landowners and professionals who work with landowners to learn about ways
to plan ahead for the long-term viability of forests in Vermont. The day will
include: Aa panel of landowners discussing long-term planning they have
done to prepare for transfer of land from one generation to the next; Sessions
to help landowners and resource professionals understand options for longterm
planning such as talking to children about long-term forest ownership,
forming limited liability corporations, exploring easements, cooperative
forestland ownership, and much more. Estate planning lawyers, financial
planners and other experts will help lead the workshops; Information for
landowners that donʼt have heirs and are wondering what to do, as well as
information for landowners whose children are not interested in the family
property. For more info visit: http://www.vnrc.org/forest/landowner-summit.
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