Vermont awards funds to boost specialty crop farms
Vermont is directing $333,428 to projects aimed at strengthening the state's fruit, vegetable, maple, nursery and other specialty crop industries. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to a community announcement. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets administers the federal funding in the state. “These investments are critical to strengthening our rural economy, supporting our working lands and helping the people who make their living off the land,” Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts said. “Supporting agriculture is investing in Vermont’s future.” Since the program began in 2006, Vermont's branch of it has invested more than $4.5 million in projects benefiting the state's specialty crop producers. Three organizations receive project funding The Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District will work to strengthen Vermont's floriculture industry through education, technical assistance and networking opportunities for flower farmers. The University of Vermont will expand its Pest Scouting and Monitoring Network for vegetable and berry producers. The project is intended to provide region-specific pest reports to improve pest management capacity statewide. Village Hydroponics will develop tools, resources and training focused on growing specialty crops through container-based winter hydroponic production. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets also will lead
