Vermont Launched Orchard Passport Program in 2026

The statewide initiative encourages visitors to explore local farms for a chance to win cash prizes.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Contests

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden apple crate in a rolling orchard, capturing the rural harvest season of Vermont. — The Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association launched a statewide orchard passport program in 2026 to boost local agriculture and fruit tourism. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you participate in a local program that offers prizes for visiting area businesses?

The Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association launched a passport program in 2026 to promote local agriculture across the state. Participants can earn entries into a drawing for various cash prizes by scanning QR codes at 14 different participating orchards.

Why it matters

The program was created to incentivize residents to visit multiple local orchards rather than relying on a single destination. This initiative helps distribute foot traffic and consumer spending across various independent fruit growers in Vermont.

The program features 14 participating orchards, with the first 20 visitors to complete five stops earning $25 gift certificates. Top cash prizes include $500, $250, and $100 for those who visit multiple locations.

The players

Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association

This organization represents fruit growers across Vermont and provides resources to support the state's orchard industry.

The details

Visitors can participate without needing to create an account or download an app by simply scanning a provided QR code at each stop. This system registers each visit, allowing travelers to track their progress and qualify for rewards including cash and gift certificates.

The Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association launched the passport program in 2026.

Culture Shift

This program follows the pattern set by Vermont Farm Bureau orchard diversification programs designed to increase rural tourism. It represents a broader societal shift toward prioritizing local food sourcing and agritourism as a primary form of family recreation.

Residents can plan trips to any of the 14 participating orchards to earn rewards without needing to manage complex digital profiles or apps. The lack of entry barriers allows families to easily incorporate multiple farm stops into a single weekend outing.

The takeaway

Travelers looking to maximize their odds in similar programs should map out geographically clustered orchards to complete multiple stops in one day. Engaging with these local efforts often provides unique access to harvest-season activities while directly supporting state growers.