Working Lands Enterprise Initiative – Montpelier, VT

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative: Investing in Vermont’s Landscape

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) is a pivotal program administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, located at 116 State Street. Established by the legislature in 2012, this initiative is dedicated to strengthening and growing the economies, cultures, and communities of Vermont’s working landscape. By providing financial investment and technical assistance, the WLEI supports the agriculture and forestry sectors, which are fundamental to the state’s identity and economic vitality.

Grant Programs and Investment

The primary function of the WLEI is the administration of the Working Lands Enterprise Fund. This fund distributes grants to businesses and service providers to foster innovation and growth.

• Business Grants: Funding is available for infrastructure development, marketing, and operational improvements for farm and forest businesses.
• Service Provider Grants: Grants are awarded to organizations that provide technical assistance and business planning services to the working lands sector.
• Supply Chain Impact: The initiative focuses on projects that have a positive ripple effect across the supply chain, creating jobs and increasing production capacity.

Governance and Board

The initiative is guided by the Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB), which includes representatives from various state agencies and industry stakeholders.

• Strategic Planning: The Board sets the strategic direction for the program, identifying funding priorities based on the needs of the industry.
• Policy Development: WLEI works to inform policy that supports the viability of agriculture and forestry enterprises in Vermont.
• Collaboration: The program fosters collaboration between the Agency of Agriculture, the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

Economic and Community Impact

The WLEI plays a crucial role in preserving Vermont’s working landscape while promoting economic development.

• Land Stewardship: By making working lands businesses profitable, the initiative helps keep land in active agricultural and forestry use, preventing fragmentation and development.
• Rural Economy: The program injects capital directly into rural communities, supporting local jobs and food systems.