Value-Added Producer Grants
| Eligible States | US/Federal |
| Type | Grant |
| Area of Interest | Renewable Energy, Agriculture |
| Description |
Value Added Producer Grants (VAPGs) provide grant funding to agricultural producers to enable economic planning and working capital activities directly related to the processing and/or marketing of value-added agricultural products, including farm-based renewable energy generated from an agricultural commodity or by-product such as an anaerobic digester. Applicants may not request funds for both planning activities and working capital expenses in one application. Eligible applicants include independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and agricultural producer groups. Based on past year solicitations, planning grants of up to $100,000 per project were available, while working capital grants were capped at $300,000 per project. Cost share of at least 50 percent is required. Working capital applicants need to have completed both a business plan and an independent feasibility study on their project to be eligible. Cost-share matching funds must equal or exceed the grant amount requested. |
| Eligible Organizations | Livestock Producer, Farmer and Rancher Cooperatives, Agricultural Producer Groups |
| How to Apply | USDA annually publishes a Notice of
Solicitation of Applications in the Federal Register requesting applications for the current funding cycle. Contact a State Rural Development Office to obtain additional information and assistance. The contact information for these offices can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html. |
| For More Information | http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG_Grants.html  |
| Primary Contact | Business-Cooperative Programs USDA-Rural Development 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250-1750 (202) 720-7558 cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov |