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USDA Announces $44 Million Available to Help Agricultural Producers Increase the Value of Their Products

Name
Erin McDuff
City
Portland
Release Date

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is making up to $44 million available nationwide to farmers, ranchers, and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand their market through its Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program announced State Director Vicki Walker today.

Value Added Producer Grants help agricultural producers grow their businesses by turning raw commodities into value-added products, expanding marketing opportunities, and developing new uses for existing products. Veterans, members of socially disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, and operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches are given special priority for grants. Additional priority is given to applicants who seek funding for projects that will create or increase marketing opportunities for these types of operators.

More information on how to apply is available on page 20607 of the April 8 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1, 2016. In Oregon, paper applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. in the State Office:

          USDA Rural Development
          Business Programs, ATTN: VAPG Coordinator
          1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 1801

          Portland, OR 97204

Prior to begging work on your application, we strongly encourage you to contact Oregon’s VAPG Coordinator, Mandie Ellenwood, at mandie.ellenwood@or.usda.gov or (541) 673-0136 ext. 110 for more details about the program’s requirements and process.

Since 2009, USDA has awarded 1,126 Value Added Producer Grants totaling $144.7 million. Last year alone, Oregon producers were awarded over $1 million in grant funds for a total of nine projects.

Congress increased funding for the VAPG Program when it passed the 2014 Farm Bill. That law builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.  

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.