Farm First is a free, Vermont-based program providing farmers and their families with support, resources and information to reduce stress. We can help connect you to resources, including technical, legal or financial assistance, as well as to a counselor or trained peer. You don't have to be alone with your challenges. We're good listeners and can help you address the challenges you face. We're here to help.
We are currently recruiting farmers to participate in the Farmer Peer Network. Click over to the Peer Support page to learn more and apply.
Self Assessments
Try our screening tools for alcohol, anxiety, and depression to help you learn more about yourself.
Peer Support
We're starting a network of farmers throughout Vermont who want to support each other in different ways.
Get Our Help
We welcome your call or email. One of our resource specialists will get back to you and arrange an initial meeting.
Farm First News
NBC5 News Story on Farmer Peer Program
In this brief news story, the Farmer Peer program is highlighted.
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Valley News Article: Program trains Upper Valley farmers to help others in mental health crisis
This great article in the Valley News profiles 3 of our Farmer Peers, and shares about the increasingly stressful work of farming. [Photo credit: Valley News Lebanon, NH, Jennifer Hauck.]
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$1 million in working lands funding, covid recovery, 12/16/22 deadline
Primary producers of farm and forest products can now apply now for the ARPA-Funded Primary Producer grant opportunity! The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) has released a request for applications (RFA) totaling $1,000,000. This grant opportunity is possible due to federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds appropriated by the Vermont legislature to the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative. The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative anticipates releasing a second ARPA-Funded Primary Producer Grant opportunity in 2023, with available funds of up to $1,000,000. Examples of eligible primary production activities are farming, livestock rearing, maple sugaring, dairy, and logging.
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Farmers and Health Insurance Podcast
Agrisafe podcast series, Talking Total Farmer Health, takes up the topic of health insurance. Listen and learn.
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$600 Relief Payments for Farm Workers
The Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant Program
A one-time direct relief payment of $600 will be available to qualifying frontline farm, grocery, and meatpacking workers for expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A one-time direct relief payment of $600 will be available to qualifying frontline farm, grocery, and meatpacking workers for expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suicide Prevention Training for the Agriculture Community
Waterbury - Nov. 30th 1pm to 3:30 - CANCELLED
Williston - Dec. 3rd 9am to noon
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Williston - Dec. 3rd 9am to noon
Vermont Public Radio story on the Farmer Peer Network
In June, 2022, VPR caught up with farmer Valerie Woodhouse to talk about how stressful farming can be, and why she's becoming a Farmer Peer to help other farmers.
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