Courtesy of NAA:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers and farmers expand market opportunities and generate more revenue. USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program.

The grants help farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value added activities. Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.

USDA anticipates making approximately $30 million available through the VAPG program in fiscal year 2025. USDA may award up to $75,000 for planning activities or up to $250,000 for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Planning activities may include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries.

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will advance key agency priorities to:

• Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
• Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects.
• Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.

Electronic applications will be accepted via the VAPG application portal until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 17, 2025. Additional information is available on Grants.gov or by contacting your local USDA Rural Development office.