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USDA Value-Added Producer Grants
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USDA Value-Added Producer Grants
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Grants may be used for planning activities and for working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy. Eligible applicants are independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.
The FY2009 VAPG program opened on May 6, 2009 and the application deadline is July 6, 2009..
The planning grant provides resources for people or businesses that are in the exploratory phase of their business idea. The money received from this grant can be used to develop:
• Feasibility studies
• Business Plans
• Marketing Plans
The money can be used to hire professionals to complete tasks. In the past, the VAPG awarded up to $50,000 for a planning grant. It is important to note that the money being sought by the grant applicant has to be matched with either in-kind services or matching funds. These matches do not have to be dollar for dollar but the higher the match, the more positive the rating. Matching the grant request with matching funds in some part reflects very positively on the applicant.
No pre-requisites
The second grant is for working capital. This grant allows producers to purchase
The money can be used undertake a number of tasks but not to buy equipment, land or structures. In the past, the VAPG working capital grant awarded up to $300,000 for a planning grant. It is important to note that the money being sought by the grant applicant has to be matched with either in-kind services or matching funds. These matches do not have to be dollar for dollar but the higher the match, the more positive the rating. Matching the grant request with matching funds in some part reflects very positively on the applicant.
Pre-requisites
• USDA Feasibility Study from a third party unbiased party
• USDA Business Plan from a third party unbiased party