Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is making up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.
“America’s farmers, ranchers and rural business owners are innovative entrepreneurs and this program helps them grow economic opportunities for their families and communities by increasing the value of the things they produce,” Vilsack said. “The Value-Added Producers Grant program has a great track record of helping producers increase the value of products, expand their markets and customer base.”
José Otero-García, USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico indicated that the Value-Added Producers Grants may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing ones. Priority for these grants is given to Veterans, members of 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 seek funding for projects that will create or increase marketing opportunities for these types of operators.
For more information on how to apply for the Value Added Producers grants please see the Federal Register of April 8, 2016 page 20607. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1, 2016. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due June 24, 2016. For additional information please call Danna Quiles, Business & Cooperative Program Director at Puerto Rico State Office at (787) 766-5095 X 172, 173, 174 or 175.
Value-Added Producer Grants are a key element of USDA’s “Know Your Farmer Know Your Food”, which coordinate Department’s work to develop local and regional food systems.