Vermont Farm Fund New Producer Loan

The New Producer Loan program was launched in 2021 to support new farmers and food producers who need funding for infrastructure on new property or equipment for launching a value added food business.

Examples of a New Producer Loan include:

• Infrastructure improvements to convert an existing farm to new crops or products

• Purchase of food processing equipment

• Launching a website to promote a new CSA

Loan applications will be accepted from farm and food-related businesses registered and located in Vermont that either produce or source ingredients for their value added food processing from local farms/producers (Vermont plus 30 miles).

Applicants are required to supply a written business plan prepared with outside support from a technical assistance provider that includes at least two years of financial projections. Local TA providers that can provide no-cost support include: Center for an Agricultural Economy, Farm Viability, Center for Women & Enterprise, Land for Good, UVM Extension, CVOEO, and the Vermont Small Business Development Center. The VFF can help you connect with a business advisor if you are not working with one already. Typically the business planning process can take between 5-15 hours of time working with a business advisor, sometimes more depending on complexity.

Once we receive your application and business plan, loan requests are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days, with most loan funds being granted to approved recipients within 14 business days. 

We accept applications on a rolling basis and award loans as funds are available. After receiving a completed application (with all requested attachments), we strive for a 2-3 week turn-around time for application review and approval. We want to keep our application process as simple as possible, but the information we do request is crucial for us to make a responsible decision.

Our Advisory Board reviews your application once we have received all of the requested pieces of information. During the loan review process, it isn’t unusual for us to need additional information about your business and/or your needs in order to make a responsible final determination. One of our board members may visit your farm or business to get a better understanding of your operation. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions about the application.

When you apply for a loan from the Vermont Farm Fund, you are becoming a part of a supportive, financial-agricultural community. The funds from the VFF that will help you with your emergency or business building project, have most likely helped another farmer or food producer in the past.

And, your payments will be “paid forward” to help the next agricultural producer with an urgent need or creative idea. As part of the community, we hope you’ll agree to tell your story and help us get the word out regarding this unique and valuable program.

Applications are reviewed and responded to on a rolling basis. Once we’ve received a completed application (with all requested attachments), we strive for a 2-3 week turn-around time for application review and approval. Applications are reviewed by a team of people on our Advisory Board from a variety of agricultural backgrounds.

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• How to Apply