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 are no strangers to entrepreneurship,” said Dave Conine, State Director for Rural Development in Utah, “Programs like USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant are an excellent tool in assisting our local producers gain a competitive edge in the marketplace by reducing the risk involved in innovation and product exploration.”
Value-Added Producer 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 disadvantaged 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. Since 2009, USDA has awarded 1,126 Value-Added Producer Grants totaling $144.7 million. In 2015, USDA Rural Development awarded one Value-Added Producer Grant in Utah. $250,000 was awarded to Wall Brothers, Inc., intended to help the family-owned business create new products from the apples they produce.
The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1, 2016. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due June 24, 2016. Interested parties in Utah may contact Barry Christensen with questions or for application information at barry.christensen@ut.usda.gov or (435) 283-8004, ext. 107.