Award Eligibility

The Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Award will be given to farmers who:

• are actively managing a commercial farm operation in Vermont

• are leaders in the agriculture community

• are environmental stewards

• strive to improve their production and business management systems through innovation

In order to apply, you must meet the following conditions:

• You or your farm are/is a NOFA Vermont Member or are a certified Vermont Organic Farm. More information about membership can be found here .

• You have not received this award in the past.

• You are a resident of Vermont.

• You are not a current NOFA Vermont staff, current NOFA Vermont board member, or member of the award committee. Immediate family members, defined as spouse, civil union partner, parent, sibling, or any other relative residing in the applicable party's household, of NOFA Vermont staff, NOFA Vermont board members, and award committee members are also not eligible to apply.

• In this context, the term "family farm" aims to distinguish farms owned and operated by individuals or small groups from farms owned by large corporations and operated by separate, hired entities. The term "family" is not intended to reference the relationship between the farm owners—farms can be owned by unrelated individuals or families with any familial structure. We aim to empower all farms who are dedicated to the principles of sustainability and community resilience to apply for this award. 

In addition to the conditions above, applicants will also be considered for diversity in geography, years in business, product and farm type, and farm size in acres.

Your project must be implemented within one year of receiving the grant.

Applicants are eligible to re-apply if they have not been selected as an awardee.