Value Added Producer Grant Workshop Feb. 3, 2020

Presenter: Karen Kuhns, USDA Rural Development

"Value-added” are farm products that have changed physically or marketed to enhance value or expand your customer base. Eligible projects may also include farm-to-school, marketing to restaurants, or renewable energy, among others.

Projects that may be eligible for grant funding include: 

-food products such as wine, flour, cheese, jam

- organic, grass-fed, buy local - buy fresh

- community-based food enterprises, farm to institution, farm to food service or restaurant

-value chain using a consumer seal

-renewable energy such as anaerobic digesters.

Following the one-hour workshop, a limited number of attendees will have the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with Ms. Kuhns about their proposed projects.

Maximum Grant Amount: Planning Grants $75,000; Working Capital Grants: $250,000. 

VAP Grants require a 50% match provided by the applicant. However, some of the match may be an “in-kind”, such as the cost of your labor or farm product value. For example, a producer planning to begin cheese production may factor in the value of the milk they produce on-farm to satisfy some of the match.  Grant funds may not be used for repair, acquisition or construction of a building or facility or to purchase, rent or install fixed equipment.

Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant program are due March 10th. See guidance at  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants/pa  If you do not have a SAMS and DUNS registration, it is suggested you start the process early.