Vermont Farm Programs Guide

Last Updated: February 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. [Report an error]

Quick Facts

Federal Programs in Vermont

Federal programs like EQIP, CSP, and FSA loans are available nationwide, but how they work in practice varies by state — each state sets its own EQIP priorities, ranking criteria, and application deadlines. Below is how the federal programs apply specifically in Vermont. For full details on any program, read the federal program guides.

EQIP in Vermont

Vermont EQIP Priorities:

• Water quality (Lake Champlain — dominant priority)
• Soil health on cropland
• Grazing management
• Dairy waste management
• Cover crops
• Riparian buffers

Livestock-Specific Practices Commonly Funded:

• Cross-fencing for managed grazing
• Livestock water development
• Prescribed grazing systems
• Waste management (dairy)
• Heavy use area protection
• Riparian buffers
• Cover crops in rotation

What ranks well in Vermont: Lake Champlain water quality drives Vermont EQIP. Dairy waste management, cover crops, and riparian buffers score highest. Vermont's managed grazing community is strong — EQIP grazing practices are well-supported.

Vermont EQIP payment schedules: Available on the Vermont NRCS website.

→ Read the full EQIP guide

CSP in Vermont

CSP rewards producers for conservation practices already in place and pays for new enhancements. Well-managed operations with rotational grazing, maintained fencing, and conservation practices are strong candidates.

→ Read the full CSP guide

FSA Programs in Vermont

Current Disaster Designations: Check farmers.gov/protection-recovery for current drought and disaster designations in Vermont.

Key FSA Programs:

• Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
• Microloans (up to $50,000 — simplified application)
• Emergency Farm Loans (for designated disaster areas)
• Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) — Flooding (major — Vermont is flood-prone), winter storm, and drought losses
• ELAP — covers drought-related grazing losses and emergency costs
• Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) — triggered by drought monitor conditions

Vermont FSA State Office: (802) 658-2803

Vermont-Specific Programs

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Vermont Agricultural Water Quality Program: Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) set baseline standards. Best Management Practice (BMP) grants provide cost-share beyond the baseline.

Website: agriculture.vermont.gov

Vermont Grass Farmers Association

Promotes managed grazing in Vermont — strong community of practice.

Vermont Tax Provisions for Ag

• Current Use (Use Value Appraisal): Agricultural and forest land is assessed at use value. Vermont's program is well-established and widely used.
• State Income Tax: Progressive rates, top rate 8.75%. Farm income is subject to state tax.
• Sales Tax Exemptions: Farm equipment and agricultural inputs are exempt from Vermont sales tax.

Resources

USDA Offices

• Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/service-locator

State Resources

• UVM Extension: uvm.edu/extension
• Vermont Farm Bureau: vtfb.org

Key Deadlines (FY2026)

Dates are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm with your local NRCS/FSA office.

Your Next Steps in Vermont

1. Run our eligibility screener to see your personalized program list: /screener
2. Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/service-locator
3. Read the federal program guides for programs you're interested in: EQIP · CSP · Beginning Farmer · Disaster Assistance
4. Lake Champlain water quality drives significant EQIP funding in Vermont
5. Vermont's Current Use program is essential for property tax management — make sure all eligible land is enrolled

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