Contacts:
Chelsea Bardot Lewis, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, 802-828-3360

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

MONTPELIER: Secretary Chuck Ross announced today $25,000 in funding from the Vermont Legislature for the development of a curriculum and provision of classroom and on-the-job training for the occupation of skilled meat cutter. VAAFM is now accepting proposals from educational institutions and other job training organizations for program development, as well as nominations for representatives to the Meat Cutter Training Advisory Team that will work with the selected contractor.

The goal of the Meat Cutter Training Program is to support meat and poultry processors and producers, create jobs, and enhance Vermont’s livestock industry. $22,500 is available for program development. Any qualified educational institution, apprenticeship organization or other job training organization is eligible to apply. Applications are due by Monday, September 1 at 5 pm. Additionally, $2,500 is available for stipends for Advisory Team members. Nominations are encouraged from representatives of the following industries: livestock slaughter and processing; meat distribution, marketing and/or retail; and technical education. Self-nominations are encouraged. All nominations are due by Monday, August 22 at 5pm.

This funding is one component of a comprehensive program aimed at job creation through agricultural development. VAAFM, in coordination with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, is offering a suite of programs to assist small farm and food businesses expand and enhance the local economy. Last month, VAAFM announced grants for capacity expansion at meat processing facilities, as well as for capital improvements that will enable Vermont fruit and vegetable producers to obtain GAP certification.

“This administration knows that agricultural development is economic development,” said Ross. “The skilled meat cutter training program is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at assisting Vermont farm businesses to capture a greater share of the consumer food dollar. We know that dollars spent locally have a large multiplier effect on the state’s economy, spurring job creation for more Vermonters.”

Please contact Chelsea Bardot Lewis, Agricultural Development Coordinator, at 802-828-3360 or chelsea.lewis@state.vt.us for the full application packet or more information on any of the above programs.