Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)

Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) is sponsored by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. The VAPG program helps U.S. agricultural producers enter into value-added activities that generate new products from raw agricultural commodities, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income through enhanced product value and market reach.

These grants support either planning activities (e.g., feasibility studies, business and marketing plans) or working capital needs (e.g., processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and salaries).

VAPG Program | Agricultural Marketing Resource Center Agricultural Marketing Summit Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program For the most up-to-date VAPG application status and information, please visit the USDA Rural Development website or the Grant Application Portal .

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps U.S. agricultural producers enter into value-added activities that: Generate new products from raw agricultural commodities Create and expand marketing opportunities Increase producer income through enhanced product value and market reach These grants support either: Planning activities (e.g., feasibility studies, business and marketing plans) Working capital needs (e.g., processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and salaries) Applicants may receive priority consideration if they meet any of the following criteria: Beginning farmer or rancher Veteran farmer or rancher Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher Small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm Farmer or rancher cooperative Proposing a Mid-Tier Value Chain project Additionally, 10% of total funds are reserved for: Beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers/ranchers Mid-tier value chain proposals Food safety projects where the majority of funds improve market access Total Available Funding: Approximately $25 million Planning Grants: Up to $50,000 Working Capital Grants: Up to $200,000 Matching Requirement: 1:1 match (100% of the grant amount), which may include cash or eligible in-kind contributions The program requires a one-to-one match.

A cash match is defined as actual funds dedicated to the project.

An in-kind match includes time, equipment, space, staff salaries, etc. Examples of a cash match might be third-party contributions from groups, farm organizations or individuals donating cash toward a project; the salary of a person or persons working on a project (cash transaction); travel expenses to attend meetings or participate in training sessions; state appropriations or non-federal funds that have not been spent; bank financing; revolving loan funds; or county financing.

Examples of in-kind contributions include space; equipment; supplies, copies, telephone and other expenses that are dedicated to the project; volunteer time/unpaid services provided to a recipient by an individual or employee working on a project ( non-cash transaction); value of hours of non-federally funded personnel assisting with project, for example, State Dept.

of Agriculture, local economic development agencies, volunteer board members, etc.; donation of office space or meeting rooms; or donation of inventory including equipment or buildings.

Eligible applicants include: Agricultural producers (including harvesters and steering committees) Agricultural producer groups Farmer- or rancher-cooperatives Majority-controlled producer-based business ventures Applicants must demonstrate that they: Own and produce more than 50% of the raw commodity Will retain greater revenue from the value-added product than from the raw commodity alone A VAPG Self-Assessment Survey is available to help determine your eligibility.

While not required, it is strongly encouraged before beginning the application process. Take the VAPG Self-Assessment Survey Your browser does not support the video tag. The most recent information on funding availability and applications is available through your state USDA Rural Development office .

Check with them or your state’s Department of Agriculture about recent news or upcoming workshops about the program. They can provide information, applications and guidance on when and how to apply for a grant. VAPG is part of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), an umbrella initiative created under the 2018 Farm Bill .

LAMP consolidates several USDA programs to support local and regional food systems. Your browser does not support the video tag. Examples of Past Grant Recipients The case studies of VAPG recipients are also available for reference.

At its website, USDA Rural Development provides a complete VAPG information .

Current Value-Added Producer Grant Application Information - USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant Highlight Video What is the Value Added Producer Grant Program: Video Value Added Producer Grant Highlight The Farmers of Texas: Video Impacts of the VAPG Program on Business Outcomes National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Farmers Guide for Applying to the Value-Added Producer Grant Program Overview of the USDA VAPG Program from 2001 to 2017 2625 N.

Loop Dr., Suite 2430, Value-Added Consultants & Service Providers Value-Added Producer Grant Partially Funded by USDA Rural Development The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Many materials can be made available in alternative formats for ADA clients. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964.