Recently USDA Rural Development announced approximately $18 million in grant funds are available to help farmers, ranchers and majority-owned, producer-based businesses develop new product lines and expand into new markets. The funds are provided through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program.
VAPG funds can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Special priority is given to applicants competing as (1) beginning, socially-disadvantaged, and military veteran farmers and ranchers, (2) operators of small and medium-sized family farms and ranches, (3) farmer and rancher cooperatives, and (4) applicants that propose mid-tier value chain projects. Additional priority is given to group applicants who seek funding for projects that “best contribute” to creating or increasing marketing opportunities for one or more of the priority categories above.
Paper applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2018, and electronic applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by January 24, 2018. Complete details on how to apply can be found on page 40987 of the August 29, 2017 Federal Register.
Interested applicants should contact one of the following USDA Rural Development staff members:
Dana Kleinsasser, Rural Business & Cooperative Programs Director (Huron State Office)
Phone: (605) 352-1142
Email: dana.kleinsasser@sd.usda.gov
Cayla Hilbrands, Specialist (Huron State Office)
Phone: (605) 352-1137
Email: cayla.hilbrands@sd.usda.gov
Shelby Kraemer, Specialist (Aberdeen)
Phone: (605) 824-3627
Email: shelby.kraemer@sd.usda.gov
Gary Wedel, Specialist (Mitchell)
Phone: (605) 299-3339
Email: gary.wedel@sd.usda.gov
Clark Guthmiller, Specialist (Pierre)
Phone: (605) 301-3409
Email: clark.guthmiller@sd.usda.gov
Hettianne Cekalla, Specialist (Rapid City)
Phone: (605) 858-6683
Email: hettianne.cekalla@sd.usda.gov
Jolene Pravecek, Specialist (Yankton)
Phone: (605) 655-3516
Email: jolene.pravecek@sd.usda.gov