Value Added Producer Grant Program 2015

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Admin in Funding // 0 Comments

Don’t Miss Out on the 2015 Value-Added Producer Grant Program!

The USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Program expects to announce a call for applications this April! This is a great opportunity to plan a value-added business or to help fund early stage working capital expenses. Grants of up to $75,000 for business planning and up to $200,000 for working capital were made last year.

“Value-added” is defined quite generously by the USDA. Not only does it mean changing the physical state of your raw product, but it can mean the fact that you are marketing and branding your fresh product as local, or by your means of production, such as organically grown.

This year is one of the best years to apply. More projects will be funded this year than usual due an exceptionally large pool of funding – $41M nationally. And a new consideration for military veterans is expected in the announcement.

The application is long and detailed, requiring much thought and planning.

There is a 50% matching funds requirement. So please, investigate this program now atwww.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG_Grants.html to find out if it can help you achieve your business goals. Start on your application even before the federal announcement if it is not already out. Use last year’s application toolkit.

Use free Grants Advising, made possible by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute ,by contacting Deirdre Birmingham at deirdreb4@gmail..com or 608-219-4279.