USDA Value-Added Producer Grants Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity

FUNDING PROGRAM: USDA Value-Added Producer Grants Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: RDBCP-VAPG-2025.

FUNDING AGENCIES: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

OPPORTUNITY:

The objective of this grant program is to assist viable for-profit Agricultural Producers, Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer and Rancher Cooperatives, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Businesses in starting or expanding value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of Value-Added Agricultural Products. Grants will be awarded competitively for either planning or working capital Projects directly related to the processing and/or marketing of value-added products.

Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the end goals of the program. All proposals must demonstrate economic viability and sustainability to compete for funding.

DESCRIPTION:

Planning activities may include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory, and salaries, and funds may also now be used to pay for Food Safety certification and up to $6,500 for the purchase or upgrade of post-harvest equipment to improve food safety.

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will advance key agency priorities to:

  • Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
  • Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects.
  • Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

  • Agricultural Producer
  • Agricultural Producer Group
  • Farmer or Rancher Cooperative
  • Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture

COST SHARING: Cost-sharing contribution to the project is at least equal to the grant amount.

FUNDING AVAILABLE: 

  • FUNDING AVAILABILITY: $30 Million subject to passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2025.
  • INDIVIDUAL AWARD AMOUNTS: Maximum Planning $75,000; Maximum Working Capital $250,000.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 17, 2025.

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