July 19, 2025
The NOFA-VT Resilience Grant program has supported farmers across Vermont, providing grants for over 250 farm-based projects that enhance resilience on individual farms and within rural communities. In 2025 alone, NOFA-VT received 135 applications totaling $690,577 in funding requests—a 52% increase from 2024. Ultimately, 33 grants were awarded, benefiting 37 producers (including those participating in multi-farm projects), with a total of $156,450.40 in funding distributed.
Of these grants, 21 (64%) were awarded to farm businesses led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ farmers, and/or disabled farmers. Thirteen recipients (39%) identified specifically as BIPOC. All grant applications are reviewed and scored by a rotating committee of farmers and farmworkers, underscoring NOFA-VT’s commitment to participatory grantmaking and ensuring community representation in funding decisions.
Each year, we gain deeper insight into how farmers define resilience and recognize the critical need for flexible funding, often unavailable through other grant programs. Amid growing financial and social uncertainty, the Resilience Grant program empowers farms to continue investing in the social and economic vitality of their operations and communities while upholding a commitment to ecologically responsible farming practices.
One recent recipient is The Farm Upstream, a collectively-owned, diversified organic farm located in Jericho, Vermont. Currently cultivating about six acres of vegetables, fruits, and native shrubs and trees, the farm is rooted in a strong commitment to local food and community resilience. Most of their produce is sold directly to neighbors through a small but growing CSA of around 40 members and an on-site farm stand, open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What began as a side project by four friends—Cory Froning, Jake Kornfeld, Spencer Hardy, and Jacqueline Huettenmoser—growing a few wholesale crops on leased land, took a significant leap forward in 2023 with the purchase of 52 acres on a former dairy farm. In 2024, following the devastating floods that affected many Vermont farms, The Farm Upstream deepened its roots by partnering with Tucker Andrews of Bone Mountain Farm, strengthening their shared vision and collaborative efforts.
Last spring, the farm received a NOFA-VT Resilience Grant to help transform an old garage into a vibrant new farm stand. The grant covered essential foundation and electrical work, allowing them to officially open the farm stand in August. The timing couldn’t have been better. Community excitement was immediate, and the farm stand became a crucial touchpoint for connecting with local customers and introducing them to the farm’s broader vision.
“The community energy around the stand gave us the confidence to keep investing,” the farmers shared. “Tucker joining the team and the buzz from those early weeks helped us secure further support through a Vermont Family Farmer of the Month award.”
For The Farm Upstream, location has become one of their most valuable assets. Situated along a well-traveled secondary road near several schools, the farm is ideally positioned to serve local families. “One of our keys to success will be building and maintaining a welcoming, well-stocked farm stand that draws in neighbors and makes the farm a community space,” they shared. “The support from NOFA-VT made that feel possible on a realistic timeline. Without it, we might have leaned more heavily into wholesale and missed this opportunity to prioritize local connection.”
Looking ahead, The Farm Upstream sees tremendous value in the Resilience Grant program—not just for their own growth, but for Vermont’s broader agricultural landscape.
“These grants are incredible! Over the past few years, we’ve seen so many inspiring projects from other farms made possible with Resilience Grant support. The low administrative burden makes a huge difference, especially during the hectic growing season. It’s one of the few funding opportunities that feels truly accessible and aligned with the realities of farm life.”
Through innovation, collaboration, and strong community ties, The Farm Upstream is building a model of resilience that reaches far beyond their fields, strengthening both their business and the community they call home.
You can learn about all the projects funded by this year’s Resilience Grant program on our blog. This year’s Resilience Grants were funded with donations to the NOFA-VT Resilience Fund as well as generous support from Canaday Family Charitable Trust, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Modesty is My Best Quality Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation, M&T Charitable Foundation, One Hive Foundation, and WaterWheel Foundation. If you’re interested in supporting the resilience of local farms, please consider donating to NOFA-VT’s Resilience Fund today.