Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help farmers, ranchers and producer based businesses nationwide develop news product lines. The funding is being provided through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
Luis R. García-Boria, Rural Development Acting State Director for Puerto Rico, indicated that VAPG may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing one. Priority for these grants is given to Veterans, members of a socially disadvantage groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, and operators of small and medium sized family farms and ranches. Additional priority is given to applicants who seeks funding for projects that will create or increase marketing opportunities for these types of operators.
For more information on how to apply, see page 40987 of the August 29, 2017 Federal Register. Then deadline to submit paper applications is January 31, 2018. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due January 24, 2018.
For additional information, please, call Danna Quiles, Business & Cooperative Program Director at Puerto Rico State Office at (787) 766-5355, 766-5412, 766-5363, 766-5379 or visit our web www.rd.usda.gov/pr .