Emergency Loans

Wind storm damage at Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne

Wind storm damage at Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne

Application Requirements

Started in response to the devastation our Vermont farms suffered at the hands of Tropical Storm Irene, the VFF Emergency Loan minimizes the hurdles to securing capital for rebuilding and recovery.

In the wake of the 2023 flood, VFF has raised its Emergency Loan amount from $10,000 to $15,000. This is a zero-interest loan payable over 36-48 months, with an option to defer payments for up to 12 months.

Applications are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days. Most loan funds are granted within 14 business days. Qualifying applicants must be Vermont farmers or food producers who have suffered a devastating loss due to an unexpected natural disaster that puts their farm or farming career in danger. 

Examples of qualifying emergencies include loss of the below due to fire, flood, wind, drought and/or hail:

  • Buildings

  • Animals

  • Equipment

  • Greenhouses

  • Hay fields

Businesses should be in otherwise good financial health, save for the unexpected natural disaster. The loan should help put the business back on track to profitability.

Cash shortfalls due to equipment failure, unanticipated business situations and/or insufficient cash flow not caused by nature do not qualify as emergencies for the sake of the loan. Please check the Business Builder Loan to see if your situation might qualify for a low-interest loan instead.