VAPG Application Portal
Grant Application Portal User Guide
The Grant Application Portal User Guide is your tool for completing a VAPG application. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the portal.
Grant Application Portal User Guide | PDF
Are you having issues with the Grant Application Portal? Please contact the VAPG team here. VAPG Application Assistance
What does this program do?
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.
You may receive priority if you are a:
- Beginning farmer or rancher.
- Veteran farmer or rancher.
- Socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher.
- Small or medium-sized farm and ranch structured as a family farm.
- Farmer or rancher cooperative.
- Proposing a mid-tier value chain.
Grants are awarded through a national competition.
VAPG is part of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) which is an umbrella program created under the 2018 Farm Bill. Producers can find other grant funding opportunities at the LAMP web page.
Program Funding: Approximately $30 million in total available funding.
Maximum Grant Amount: Planning Grants $75,000; Working Capital Grants: $250,000.
Matching Funds Requirements: Matching funds requirement of 100 percent of the grant amount required for all applications.
Who may apply for this program?
Agricultural producers (includes harvesters and steering committees), agricultural producer groups, farmer- or rancher-cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures, as defined in the program regulation, are eligible to apply for this program.
Are you eligible for the VAPG program?
A VAPG Self-Assessment survey is available to assist you with determining potential eligibility for the VAPG program. The VAPG Self-Assessment survey is not a requirement to start the VAPG application process, but it is a helpful tool in assisting agricultural producers with determining potential eligibility for the program. All potential applicants are encouraged to complete the short survey.
VAPG Self-Assessment Survey
How may funds be used?
Grant and matching funds can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product.
Examples of planning activities include:
- Conducting feasibility studies.
- Developing business plans.
- Developing marketing plans for the proposed value-added product.
Examples of working capital expenses include:
- Processing costs.
- Marketing and advertising expenses.
- Some inventory and salary expenses.
How do I get started?
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the information provided on the ‘To Apply' tab.
Who can answer questions?
If you have questions, you can contact your nearest Rural Development Office.
Will I need to send any reports if I receive a grant?
Yes, if you receive a grant, you must send regular financial and performance reports. Your financial assistance agreement will explain how often to send the reports, what forms to use, and what information to put in the reports.
Where can I get more information?
Please read the program regulation for the details on what is needed for an application. The program regulation can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 7 CFR Part 4284 Subpart J. It can be accessed at this link: Federal Register :: 7 CFR 4284, Subpart J Value-Added Producer Grant. Note that this regulation was updated on September 16, 2024, so it is important to make sure you are looking at the most recent version of the regulation. It contains details about the program’s purpose, how to use grant funds, application requirements, and the selection process.
Applicants are also encouraged to read the application Notice which provides additional information on the VAPG program cycle, how to submit an application, the review and selection process, as well as other details.
What law governs this program?
The VAPG program is authorized under section 231 of the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-224), as amended by section 6203 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018.
NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change, please always consult the program instructions listed in the section above titled “What law governs this program?” You may also contact your local office for assistance. Please ensure that your state is selected in the dropdown menu above to contact your local Business Programs Specialist.
VAPG Application Portal
Grant Application Portal User Guide
The Grant Application Portal User Guide is your tool for completing a VAPG application. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the portal.
Grant Application Portal User Guide | PDF
Before You Apply
To submit an application for this program, you must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with an active registration, as required by 2 CFR Part 25.
SAM registration is free, but the process can take time. It is recommended that you begin registering at least one month before the application deadline to ensure your registration is active when you apply.
If you are already registered in SAM, you do not need to register again. However, you must confirm that your registration is active and remains active throughout the Period of Performance.
Before starting the SAM registration process, review the HELP materials available on the SAM website. After creating your account, you can register your organization. Be sure to note your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), as it will be required for your application.
To Apply
Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program must be submitted through the Grant Application Portal, also known as GAP.
Before beginning your application, we encourage you to complete the VAPG Self-Assessment survey. This step is optional but can help you determine your potential eligibility for the program. We also recommend contacting your local Business Program Specialist to discuss your project. To find the appropriate contact, please select your state from the 'For State Specific Information' dropdown menu above. Once selected, your state’s contacts will appear under the Contact tab.
To access GAP and begin your application, you will need to log in through eAuthentication. All applicants must have Level 2 eAuthentication access. If you do not already have an eAuthentication account, you can create one at the USDA eAuthentication website.
Please note that USDA eAuthentication is the system used by USDA agencies to provide secure access to web applications and services. It includes four levels of assurance. Level 2 access is required for GAP and provides a moderate level of confidence in verifying your identity.
Once you complete the login process, you will be directed to the GAP homepage where you can start a new application or return to one already in progress.
Working with Collaborators on your Application
Applications in the Grant Application Portal must be initiated by the Authorized Representative of the applicant entity who has the authority to sign on its behalf.
Applicants may collaborate with others, such as grant writers, consultants, technical assistance providers, owners, or family members. However, the Authorized Representative is responsible for starting the application, for any edits made by collaborators or representatives, and for certifying that the application is true, accurate, and complete.
Collaborators and representatives must have Level 2 eAuthentication access in order to be added to an application. If they do not already have an account, they can create one by visiting the USDA eAuthentication website.
VAPG Information
VAPG Application Portal
Grant Application Portal User Guide
The Grant Application Portal User Guide is your tool for completing a VAPG application. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the portal.
Grant Application Portal User Guide | PDF
Rural Business & Cooperative Service - TN State Office
(615) 783-1341
(800) 342-3149 ext. 1341
VAPG Application Portal
Grant Application Portal User Guide
The Grant Application Portal User Guide is your tool for completing a VAPG application. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the portal.
Grant Application Portal User Guide | PDF