Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Agronomic Training Grant

The Farm Agronomic Practices Agronomic Training Grant is a Vermont instructional activity grant program administered through VAAFM to help Vermont farmers and agricultural service providers attend educational events that further their knowledge of agricultural water quality. The program is focused on training opportunities that improve understanding of agricultural water quality issues and support better agronomic practices. The grant may support attendance at in-state, out-of-state, or international educational events, provided the event focuses on at least one eligible subject area. Eligible subject areas include state and federal agricultural water quality regulations, the impacts of agricultural wastes on water quality, and best practices to reduce agricultural impacts to water quality. Activities must be primarily instructional. Funding is limited to up to $2000 per individual per calendar year. Grants can cover up to 100 percent of eligible costs to attend the training event. Eligible costs include registration fees, hotel or lodging, airfare, mileage at the federal reimbursement rate, and relief milking or farmwork at $30 per hour. Food, drink, and entertainment are not eligible for reimbursement. Eligible applicants are Vermont farmers and agricultural service providers. Individuals representing organizations with active agreements that support education and outreach through the Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program may be considered ineligible, and attendance at events sponsored by that program may also be considered ineligible. Attendance at lobbying or advocacy-focused events is not eligible. Applications must be submitted online at least 45 days before the event. All applications and expenses are subject to VAAFM review to confirm eligibility and reasonableness of costs. Applicants should keep invoices and receipts for all eligible expenses included in the application and grant agreement. After the event, reimbursement claims are submitted to the Grant Manager with invoices or receipts and the FAP Agronomic Practices Claim Form. The claim form asks the participant to reflect on learning from the event and summarize expenses. The form is included as the last page of the agreement or may be requested from AGR.WaterQuality@vermont.gov.

Apply at least 45 days before the event; clearly connect the event to agricultural water quality; avoid lobbying or advocacy-focused events; keep receipts and invoices for all eligible expenses; exclude food, drink, and entertainment costs from reimbursement requests.