Vermont News Releases

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Low-Interest Loans Available for Vermont Ag Producers Impacted by Natural Disasters

Wed Aug 1, 2018 12:00 AM

Colchester, Vt. August 1, 2018 – Vermont agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans for losses caused by two separate disaster events. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses, including the loss of buildings and livestock.
USDA Farm Service Agency Has Job Openings

Wed Jul 11, 2018 12:00 AM

COLCHESTER, Vt. – July 11, 2018- Do you have an interest in supporting Vermont’s agricultural community and economy? The USDA Farm Service Agency in Vermont has three immediate job openings throughout the state. The three openings include two positions for Farm Loan Officer Trainees and a Program Technician. All positions require a degree or equivalent experience in a financial or customer service setting. Agricultural study or experience is preferred but not required. These positions are permanent, full time positions with benefits. All interested persons should apply at www.USAjobs.gov before July 18.
Dairy Farmers Have Until June 1 to Apply for Improved Safety Net under Margin Protection Program

Fri May 25, 2018 12:00 AM

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds dairy farmers of the June 1 deadline to enroll in the improved Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy). Many producers will see payments in early June, depending on the coverage they elect.
USDA Designates Grafton County in New Hampshire as a Primary Natural Disaster Area with Assistance to Producers in Vermont

Tue Dec 26, 2017 12:00 AM

COLCHESTER, Vt. -- Dec. 26, 2017- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Grafton County in New Hampshire as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by early season, excessive moisture and unseasonably cool temperatures that occurred from May 1 through Sept. 10, 2017.
Farm Service Agency – A Vital Source of Assistance to America’s Farmers and Ranchers

Thu Dec 21, 2017 12:00 AM

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2017 – Through the work of dedicated staff in over 2,100 county and state offices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides vital farm safety-net assistance to agricultural producers across America.
Trump Administration Appoints Wendy Wilton to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Vermont

Tue Nov 21, 2017 12:00 AM

COLCHESTER, Vt. -- Nov. 21, 2017- The Trump Administration recently appointed Wendy Wilton as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Vermont Farm Service Agency (FSA). Wilton will join the Vermont FSA team on Monday, Nov. 27.
USDA Issues Safety-Net Payments to Vermont Farmers

Wed Oct 12, 2016 01:00 PM

Colchester, Vermont, October 12, 2016 – USDA Vermont Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Robert Paquin announced that approximately 1,939 Vermont farms that enrolled in safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill will receive financial assistance for the 2015 crop year. The programs, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), are designed to protect against unexpected drops in crop prices or revenues due to market downturns.
Franklin County FSA is Approved to Accept Emergency Conservation Program Applications

Tue Sep 27, 2016 01:00 PM

St. Albans, Vermont, September 27, 2016 –Franklin/Grand Isle County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting County Executive Director, Paul Remillard announced that his office is approved to accept applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damage to farmland, notably maple orchards, from high winds that occurred on July 22, 2016 in Franklin County. ECP sign-up will begin on October 1, 2016, and end on October 31, 2016.
USDA Announces Availability of Additional Farm Loan Funding

Fri Sep 2, 2016 01:00 PM

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that additional funding will be made available to assist more than 1,900 approved applicants who are awaiting farm operating loans. The funds, which were reprogrammed by FSA with the approval of Congress, will leverage up to $185 million in additional lending for direct and guaranteed farm operation loans and will allow the agency to address up to 30 percent of its projected shortfall of funds until the next federal fiscal year resumes on Oct. 1.
USDA Reminds Vermont Producers of Aug. 1 Deadline to Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs

Tue Jul 26, 2016 01:00 PM

Colchester, VT, July 26, 2016 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Vermont Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Robert Paquin reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1 to enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and/or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2016 crop year.
Dairy Producers Can Enroll Today to Protect Milk Production Margins

Thu Jul 14, 2016 01:00 PM

Colchester, VT, July 14, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Vermont today announced that dairy producers can enroll for 2017 coverage in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) now. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the producer.
USDA Expands Microloans to Help Farmers Purchase Farmland and Improve Property Producers, Including Beginning and Underserved Farmers, Have a New Option to Gain Access to Land

Tue Jan 19, 2016 01:00 PM

Colchester, VT, Jan. 19, 2016 — Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans will be especially helpful to beginning or underserved farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations.