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 the VAPG Program Do?
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps U.S. agricultural producers enter into value-added activities that:
- Generate new products from raw agricultural commodities
- Create and expand marketing opportunities
- Increase producer income through enhanced product value and market reach
These grants support either:
- Planning activities (e.g., feasibility studies, business and marketing plans)
- Working capital needs (e.g., processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and salaries)
Who Gets Priority?
Applicants may receive priority consideration if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Beginning farmer or rancher
- Veteran farmer or rancher
- Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher
- Small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm
- Farmer or rancher cooperative
- Proposing a Mid-Tier Value Chain project
Additionally, 10% of total funds are reserved for:
- Beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers/ranchers
- Mid-tier value chain proposals
- Food safety projects where the majority of funds improve market access
Funding Overview
- Total Available Funding: Approximately $25 million
- Maximum Grant Amounts:
- Planning Grants: Up to $50,000
- Working Capital Grants: Up to $200,000
- Matching Requirement: 1:1 match (100% of the grant amount), which may include cash or eligible in-kind contributions
Grants are awarded through a nationally competitive process based on criteria outlined in 7 CFR 4284, Subpart J.
Who May Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Agricultural producers (including harvesters and steering committees)
- Agricultural producer groups
- Farmer- or rancher-cooperatives
- Majority-controlled producer-based business ventures
Applicants must demonstrate that they:
- Own and produce more than 50% of the raw commodity
- Will retain greater revenue from the value-added product than from the raw commodity alone
How to Check Eligibility
A VAPG Self-Assessment Survey is available to help determine your eligibility. While not required, it is strongly encouraged before beginning the application process.
Take the VAPG Self-Assessment Survey
Program Background
VAPG is part of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), an umbrella initiative created under the 2018 Farm Bill. LAMP consolidates several USDA programs to support local and regional food systems.
For more funding opportunities, visit the Local Agriculture Market Program Webpage.
Where to Get More Information
To fully understand the VAPG program’s requirements, funding uses, and application process, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the following official resources:
Program Regulation
The VAPG program is governed by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at:
7 CFR Part 4284, Subpart J – Value-Added Producer Grant
This regulation outlines:
- The program’s purpose and definitions
- Eligible applicants and activities
- Application content and evaluation criteria
- Grant administration and reporting requirements
Application Notice (NOFO)
Each funding cycle will be accompanied by a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which provides:
- Application deadlines and submission instructions
- Review and scoring criteria
- Funding priorities and reserved set-asides
- Contact information for technical assistance
The agency will post a link to the Notice on the program website when it is available.
Legal Authority
The VAPG program is authorized under:
- Section 231 of the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-224)
- As amended by Section 6203 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill)
Application Resources from the Vermont/ New Hampshire State Office
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
Ken Yearman, Business Programs Director
(802) 828-6083
BP.VTNH.Inquiry@usda.gov
Serving Vermont and New Hampshire
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