USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Agricultural Producers and Small Rural Businesses Develop New Products

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2017 – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help farmers, ranchers and producer-based businesses nationwide develop new product lines. 

The funding is being provided through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. VAPG grants can be used to develop new products from raw agricultural products or promote new markets for established products. Veterans, socially-disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches, and farmer and rancher cooperatives are given special priority. 

For information on how to apply for these grants, see page 40987 of the August 29 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is January 31, 2018. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due January 24, 2018. For additional information and assistance, contact the USDA Rural Development Office serving your county.