The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development today announced the availability of funding for the Value-Added Producer Grants program, which helps agricultural producers turn raw commodities into higher-value products, expand market opportunities, and strengthen rural economies. Applications are due by 1 p.m. Eastern Time on April 22, 2026.
“Under President Trump’s America First agenda, USDA is focused on policies that grow the economy, support affordability for families, and strengthen our farmers’ ability to compete,” said Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Neal Robbins. “Programs like Value-Added Producer Grants keep jobs and value creation in rural communities by expanding market reach, which improves the bottom line for producers.”
The Value-Added Producer Grants program supports planning activities, such as feasibility studies, business plans, and marketing strategies, or working capital needs, including processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and personnel. Producers can find program information and application guidance on the VAPG web page.
“Value-Added Producer Grants help small rural businesses take basic crops and convert them to a higher‑value product on site, capturing more of the added value in rural communities,” said Rural Development Michigan State Director Dom Restuccia. “This encompasses everything from turning grapes into wine or making milk into ice cream.”
USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loans, grants, and loan guarantees to promote rural prosperity. Learn more at www.rd.usda.gov.