United State Deptartment of Agriculture (USDA) VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANT (VAPG) IS OPEN NOW
The Value Added Producer Grant VAPG is a grant for farms and ranches from the federal government that can support market opportunities via value added production. To help farms in Washington be aware of this opportunity and how to apply, WSDA Regional Markets pulled together this summary:
Applications are due May 11, 2023.
WHO CAN APPLY? Farmers and ranchers who actively participate in the day-to-day management of growing, raising, or harvesting an agricultural commodity.
WHAT IS IT FOR? The VAPG program supports agricultural producers in creating new products or expanding marketing opportunities that increase producer income. VAPG can cover operational expenses of value-added business ventures, such as costs of processing, marketing, or distributing a value-added farm product. A match is required. Funds cannot be used on equipment, real estate improvements, or costs associated with raising or harvesting the commodity itself.
3 CATEGORIES:
LEARN MORE: Visit the USDA's VAPG website. Click the “To Apply” tab to find most of the resources you’ll need to complete an application. The “Toolkits” are the primary application document.
USDA staff in our state are a great resource for Washington applicants. We checked in with them and they told us how Washington farmers can make the best use of their support:
Applications are due May 11, 2023.
WHO CAN APPLY? Farmers and ranchers who actively participate in the day-to-day management of growing, raising, or harvesting an agricultural commodity.
WHAT IS IT FOR? The VAPG program supports agricultural producers in creating new products or expanding marketing opportunities that increase producer income. VAPG can cover operational expenses of value-added business ventures, such as costs of processing, marketing, or distributing a value-added farm product. A match is required. Funds cannot be used on equipment, real estate improvements, or costs associated with raising or harvesting the commodity itself.
3 CATEGORIES:
- Planning Grant (up to $75,000)
- Implementation Grant (up to $250,000; 3rd party feasibility or business plan required)
- Simplified Application Implementation Grant (up to $50,000; no feasibility study required)
LEARN MORE: Visit the USDA's VAPG website. Click the “To Apply” tab to find most of the resources you’ll need to complete an application. The “Toolkits” are the primary application document.
USDA staff in our state are a great resource for Washington applicants. We checked in with them and they told us how Washington farmers can make the best use of their support:
- Read the VAPG overview [PDF] created by USDA staff.
- Review the toolkit document and other resources on the USDA VAPG website
- Outline your grant project idea
- Compile a list of questions
- Reach out to WA program staff:
- Olympia (West): Carlotta Donisi – carlotta.donisi@usda.gov 360-704-7724
- Yakima (East): Veronica Baer-- veronica.baer@usda.gov 509-367-8565