Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award

Geographic Scope: Vermont residents only

Program Duration: Annual awards through 2028

Purpose

Honors the legacy of Eric Rozendaal, a thoughtful, creative, and entrepreneurial farmer who was a pioneer of Vermont's local food movement. The award recognizes farmers who exemplify land stewardship, community engagement, and agricultural innovation.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a Vermont resident
• Must be actively managing or working on a commercial farm operation in Vermont
• Must not have received this award in the past
• Applicant does not need to own the farm (can be a worker/manager)
• Not eligible: Members of award selection committee, current VLT staff and board members, and their immediate family members (spouses, civil union partners, parents, siblings, children, or other relatives residing in the household)

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated on three main criteria:

Land Stewardship:

• Demonstrated commitment to building healthy soils
• Protecting natural resources

Giving Back:

• Commitment to community and fellow farmers
• May include mentorship, community engagement, or other activities

Entrepreneurism:

• Demonstrated entrepreneurial approach to farming
• May include introducing new farm products or developing new markets

Use of Award Funds:

• Must provide clear description of recent or planned projects related to the award criteria
• Award money can be applied to current projects or recently completed projects
• Funds must be directly applied to the project described in the application

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed and scored by a Selection Committee consisting of leaders in the Vermont agricultural community
• Winner announced at Vermont Land Trust's annual meeting
• Awardee must agree to cooperate with VLT publicity efforts (press releases, newsletters, website, social media)

Contact

Jessie Estes, Executive Assistant

• Email: jessie.estes@vlt.org
• Phone: (802) 272-7036

Past Winners

• 2025: Hannah Doyle (Boneyard Farm, Fletcher)
• 2024: Sara Armstrong Donegan and James Donegan (Trillium Hill Farm, Hinesburg)
• 2023: Kara and Ryan Fitzbeauchamp (Evening Song Farm, Shrewsbury)
• 2022: Jennifer Rodriguez (Triple J Pastures, Irasburg)
• 2021: Christine Bourque (Blue Heron Farm, Grand Isle)
• 2020: Amanda Andrews (Tamarack Hollow Farm, Plainfield) and Tom Gilbert (Black Dirt Farm, Greensboro Bend)
• 2019: Corie Pierce (Bread & Butter Farm)

Application Process

Submission Method:

• Online application preferred
• Mailing option available upon request (contact Jessie Estes)

Application Requirements:

1. Applicant must be a Vermont resident actively managing/working on a commercial farm
2. Provide clear description of recent or planned farm projects related to selection criteria:
   • Land stewardship efforts
   • Community/farmer giving back activities
   • Entrepreneurial farming approaches
3. Explain how award funds will be used and which project they will support
4. Confirm understanding that VLT will publicize awardee and agree to cooperate with publicity efforts
5. Acknowledge eligibility requirements

Application Timeline:

• Applications accepted on rolling basis annually
• Deadline: March 9 of each year
• Winner contacted in summer
• Award announced at Vermont Land Trust annual meeting
• Applications received after deadline requested to resubmit following year

Selection Committee Review:

• Committee scores all eligible applications
• One final awardee selected annually