What does this program do?
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program assists 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:
- Beginning farmer or rancher.
- Veteran farmer or rancher.
- Socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher.
- Small or medium-sized farm.
- 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.
Curious if you are eligible for the VAPG program?
Coming soon: 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 and developing business plans for processing and marketing 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?
The VAPG program has a regulation. It contains details about the program’s purpose, how to use grant funds, application requirements, and the selection process.
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. Speak to a Business Programs Specialist before attempting to fill out any forms or applications. This will save you valuable time in the process.
Preliminary Actions Required
It’s a good idea to start the registration process at least one month before the program application deadline. To complete an application for this program, you must be pre-registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). The SAM application process is free, but it can take time so be sure to get this taken care of right away. If you are already registered with SAM, you do not need to register, however you must ensure that your registration is active and remains active through the Period of Performance.
Before you start the SAM registration process, we suggest reading through the HELP materials available on the SAM website. After you create your account, you can register your organization. Please note your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number because you will need it for your application.
Grant Application Portal (Coming Soon)
Applications for the VAPG program must be completed through the Grant Application Portal (GAP). Before starting your application, we encourage, but do not require you to complete a VAPG Self-Assessment Survey to help confirm potential eligibility for the program. In addition, we recommend reaching out to your local Business Program Specialist to discuss your project. Please ensure that your State is selected in the dropdown menu above to access the contact information for your local State Business Programs Specialist.
To access the GAP and start an application, you will need Level 2 eAuthentication access (eAuth). USDA eAuth is the system used by USDA agencies to enable individual customers and employees to obtain accounts that will allow them to securely access USDA Web applications and services via the Internet. The eAuth policy defines four assurance levels, Level 2 access is required for GAP and provides some confidence in the asserted identity's validity.
Applications in GAP must be started by the owner of the applicant entity who has signature authority. Applicants may work with a collaborator (grant writer, technical assistance provider, or similar) or other representatives (owners or family members) of the applicant entity, however, the owner of the applicant entity will be responsible for starting the application, responsible for edits made to the application by collaborators or representatives, and will be required to certify to the trueness, accuracy, and completion of the application. Collaborators and representatives will need Level 2 eAuth access to be added to an application.
Please note: Applications will not be accepted outside of the GAP. Paper, mailed, emailed, hand delivered, or other electronic forms of applying for the VAPG program are no longer allowable.
GAP Link
GAP Tutorial Link
VAPG Information
There are no additional requirements at the national level.
Rural Business & Cooperative Programs
5417 Clem’s Way
Stevens Point, WI 54482
Phone: 715-345-7646
E-mail: wi-rd-bcp-so@usda.gov