Value-Added Producer Grant

Program Overview The objective of this grant program is to assist viable Agricultural Producers, Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer and Rancher Cooperatives, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Businesses in starting or expanding value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of Value-Added Agricultural Products. Grants will be awarded competitively for either planning or working capital projects directly related to the processing and/or marketing of value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the end goals of the program. All proposals must demonstrate economic viability and sustainability to compete for funding. To Apply Applications for the VAPG program must be completed through the Grant Application Portal (GAP). Before starting your application, we encourage—but do not require you to complete the VAPG Self-Assessment survey to help confirm your potential eligibility for the program. Additionally, we recommend contacting your local Business Program Specialist to discuss your project. To find contact information, please visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants and select your State from the dropdown menu. To access the Grant Application Portal (GAP) and start an application, you will be prompted to log in through USDA eAuthentication (eAuth). All applicants must have Level 2 eAuth access. If you do not have an eAuth account, you can create one at https://www.eauth.usda.gov/. Please note: USDA eAuth is the system that allows customers and employees to securely access USDA web applications and services online. The eAuth policy defines four assurance levels; Level 2 access is required for GAP and provides a moderate level of identity verification. Once you’ve completed your log in process, you will be directed to the GAP Homepage where you can start an application or return to an application in process. Applications will not be accepted via Grants.gov Starting an application in GAP Please note that applications in the Grant Application Portal (GAP) must be started by the Authorized Representative of the applicant entity who has signature authority. While applicants may work with collaborators such as grant writers, technical assistance providers, or other representatives like owners...

Agricultural Producers, Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer or Rancher Cooperatives, or Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business

Applications are evaluated based on 6 criteria: (1) Nature of the Proposed Venture, (2) Qualifications of Key Personnel, (3) Commitments and Support, (4) Work Plan/Budget, (5) Priority Points, (6) Administrator�s Discretionary Points. Applicants should review 7 CFR � 4284.942 and the annual Federal Register notice for details on how these criteria will be scored.

Matching Requirements: Percent: 50 Matching requirements are mandatory.

Fiscal year 2025: This Rural Development investment will be used for planning to assist a farm. They will work on a feasibility study, business plan, marketing strategy for scaling their wine business. They will be contributing $69,040.00 towards this project. This Rural Development investment will be used to provide Value Added Producer Grant. Funds will provide working capital funds to be used for marketing, purchasing supplies, assisting with transportation and shipping, for Value-Added Agricultural Product processing related to making various shelf stable beef snack products. This product expansion will bring growth to this farm operation, as well as additional jobs.