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VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANT (VAPG)

US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Information Contact

USDA Rural Development

USDA State Office

6200 Jefferson NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

Phone: 505.761.4953

Eligibility

Private Business Other
Other: Independent Producers Farmer and Rancher Cooperatives Agricultural Producer Groups Majority-controlled, producer-based business ventures

Type of Aid

Grant

Program Purpose

To assist agricultural producers to enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of agricultural commodities, where half of one of the ingredients in the product was raised by the grantee. Grant can also assists in funding the marketing of raw agricultural product if it is a food for human consumption that will be marketed within 400 miles of the farm or in the state of New Mexico. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the end goals of this program.

Deadline to Apply

Yearly cycle, date TBD.

Eligibility Description

Independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled, producer-based business ventures.

Special Conditions

No population restriction. Statewide; need not be in a rural area. Nationwide competition. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, veteran, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain, as defined in the Program Regulation.

Funding Availability

Funding Potential for Award: FY 2017: TBD.

Range of Past Awards: Maximum grant: $250,000 for working capital; $75,000 for planning grants. No minimum.

Funding Cycle – Duration – The term of the grant shall not exceed 3 years.

Source of Funds: Federally funded through the US Department of Agriculture – Rural Development

Application Process

Deadline: Yearly, date TBD

How to Apply–Applicants are encouraged to contact the State Office to discuss their application. Applications are available by contacting the State Office (see contact below) or the National Office website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG.html. Check with the State Office as to application delivery location as the location has changed from year to year.

Selection Criteria & Decision Authority–Applicants must meet specific selection criteria. Grants awarded on a competitive basis. Funds cannot be used to build facilities or purchase equipment. Grant does not fund agricultural production; it only funds post-harvest activities. Funds must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Authorization

7 CFR 4284 subpart J