Working Lands Coalition asks committee to boost Working Lands Enterprise Fund to $3 million for FY26

Amy Schollenberger, representing the Working Lands Coalition, told the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee on Feb. 26 that the coalition seeks a $3,000,000 appropriation for the Working Lands Enterprise Fund for fiscal year 2026. Governor Phil Scott’s proposed budget level-funded the program at $1,000,000.

Schollenberger said the program — created to support farm and forest products businesses statewide — “has required businesses to report on, did they actually create jobs? Did they actually leverage more money? Did their business grow in the way it was expected to grow?” She told members the agency’s 2024 impact report shows demand far exceeding available funding: in 2024 the program had about $3,000,000 to award and received roughly $16,000,000 in requests.

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative was enacted in 2012; Schollenberger said it has met goals to keep land productive, create jobs, retain young entrepreneurs and build markets for value‑added products. She described the program as a relatively small grant source that state reviewers and local partners can use to validate business plans and help recipients leverage larger private or public investments, calling the program’s role on the capital continuum a frequent “light bulb” moment for applicants.

Schollenberger said the Working Lands Enterprise Board brings diverse expertise — farm and forest business experience, marketing and business planning — and that statutory membership helps the board reach applicants statewide. She noted the program’s flexibility to use one‑time funds efficiently, citing prior use of ARPA and other one‑time allocations. On funding history, Schollenberger said FY24 combined $1,000,000 base funding with $2,000,000 in one‑time general fund money, and that last year the agency received 345 applications.

Committee members asked about long‑term viability tracking and outreach. In response, Schollenberger said the Agency of Agriculture conducts follow‑up and publishes annual impact reports and that partners such as the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, nonprofit technical‑assistance providers and department staff assist with outreach and referrals to the program. When asked whether the $1,000,000 in the governor’s budget was base funding or one‑time, Schollenberger confirmed the governor’s amount is base funding and said the program can also absorb one‑time appropriations when provided.

No formal action or vote occurred during the hearing. Committee members said staff will incorporate the testimony into the committee’s upcoming budget memo.