It's called the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program and its objective is to help small and mid-size family farmers and ranchers with $16.8 million in grants. Over 110 agriculture businesses in 43 states will benefit. The program is offered through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.The program helps agriculture producers transition to more value-added methods of producing agriculture products. The goal of the program is to generate more bio-based new products that will increase market opportunities and income for agriculture producers. The eligible products are agriculture food products for human consumption.
Grants can be up to $100,000 for planning grants and $300,000 for working capital grants. New agriculture producers are encouraged to apply. Planning grants can be used for feasibility studies, business plans and marketing proposals. Working capital grants can be used for marketing and advertising expenses, and some inventory and salary expenses.
Interested applicants should contact their USDA Rural Development State Office for information on the next round of grant funding for the VAPG program.
For more information, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG.html
