This year, the value added grant program is well funded at $44 million, compared to years past at $16-18 million. This makes it a great opportunity for you! Small farms and beginning farmers are strongly encouraged.
I am happy to assist you in developing your ideas, editing the grant, etc. Please don't hesitate to reach out.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has generated a grower-friendly guide- recommended.
USDA Value Added Producer Grants
What does this program do?
The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Grants.gov.
Program Funding: $44 million
Maximum Grant Amount: $75,000 for planning grants; $250,000 for working capital grants
Matching Funds Requirements: 50% of total project costs
Due: June 24, 2016 (electronic submissions)
Who may apply for this program?
Independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer- or rancher-cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures are eligible to apply for this program.
How may funds be used?
Grant and matching funds can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Examples of planning activities include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans for processing and marketing the proposed value-added product. Examples of working capital expenses include:
- Processing costs
- Marketing and advertising expenses
- Some inventory and salary expenses