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Working Lands funds support service providers, low‑rate Sprout loans and a bale‑wrap recycling pilot
Summary
Staff described nine service‑provision investments (~$369,000) for business advising and workforce development, a Sprout loan partnership where $72,000 in program funds buy down interest on loans up to $60,000, and a $20,000 pilot to collect and bale recyclable bale wrap in the Connecticut River watershed.
Agency staff said the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative makes targeted investments in service providers and alternative capital access in addition to grants for producers.
Abby Willard described nine service‑provision investments in FY2025 totaling about $369,000. Those awards target business planning, marketing, succession planning and workforce development, she said, reflecting industry recommendations in strategic plans.
Willard also described the Sprout loan partnership with the Vermont Community Loan Fund, noting a $72,000 FY2025 investment from Working Lands that reduces interest costs for borrowers. Under Sprout, loans can be up to $60,000 and the working‑lands buy‑down provides a 1% interest rate in the first year and 2% in the second year before moving to the agreed‑upon rate, expanding capital access for start‑ups and early‑stage working‑lands businesses.
Staff highlighted a $20,000 pilot awarded to the Connecticut River Farmers Watershed Alliance to collect, bale and identify markets for recycled bale wrap. Presenters said the pilot had collected about 14 tons of clean bale wrap from 25 farms but still faced challenges finding municipal processors and end‑markets for the recycled plastic.
Presenters said the agency offers applicants feedback when they are not awarded and facilitates referrals to other capital and technical resources; they also noted examples where the program’s funds were used to buy down loan interest and to support business‑advising programs run by partner organizations.
