Value-Added Producer Grant

Background
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program aims to assist U.S. agricultural producers in entering value-added activities. The grants are awarded for economic planning or working capital activities related to the processing and/or marketing of valued-added agricultural products. The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $75,000 and for a working capital grant is $250,000.

Grant Details
The grant program supports viable Independent 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. Proposals must demonstrate economic viability and sustainability to compete for funding.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements include citizenship, legal responsibility and authority, multiple grant eligibility, active VAPG grant status, no outstanding federal judgments or delinquencies on federal taxes, compliance with Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations, and compliance with Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Hemp Production program regulations.

Period of Performance
The project timeframe or grant period can be a maximum of 36 months in length from the date of award. The proposed grant period should begin no earlier than the anticipated award announcement date in the Notice and should end no later than 36 months following that date. Project activities should begin within 90 days of the date of award.

Grant Value
The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $75,000 and for a working capital grant is $250,000.