Seven California Businesses Receive Grants for Value-Added Products

USDA Rural Development State Director Glenda Humiston today highlighted seven California organizations receiving grants to help expand their agriculture operations and create new products to market. The grants are provided through USDA Rural Development's Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
"This program is just one of many that USDA Rural Development offers to support rural communities and help develop strong local and regional food systems," said Humiston. "These p will help  look forward to assisting agriculture producers create new value-added business opportunities with their California-grown foods."
In total, over 4,000 California farmers will benefit from the seven grants totaling $719,914.  Four of the grants will provide support for marketing efforts of California agriculture cooperatives with the remaining three supporting independent producers.
The VAPG program helps agricultural producers grow their businesses by turning raw commodities into value-added products, expanding marketing opportunities and developing new uses for existing products.  Grants may be used for working capital and planning activities. Eligible applicants include independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and agricultural producer groups.  Funding priority is given to socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers or ranchers, and to small- to medium-size family farms, or farmer/rancher cooperatives.
Nationally, 247 businesses in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Micronesia were awarded a total of $25 million.  A full list of recipients is available here.  Funding for each project is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.