Application deadline: October 15th, 2012
The primary objective of the VAPG program is to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based value-added products. Generating innovative products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities and increasing producer income are the end goals of this program. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis.
Estimated Program Funding: $14 million
Maximum Grant Amount: $100,000 for planning grants; $300,000 for working capital grants
Cost Sharing Requirement: Cash or eligible in-kind matching funds equal to at least the amount of grant funds requested
The candidate must meet the requirements of one of the following applicant types:
- · Independent Producer
- · Agricultural Producer Group
- · Farmer or Rancher Cooperative
- · Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture
The candidate proposed value-added product must also fall within one of the five product categories, and must also comply with all the other eligibility requirements detailed in the Program Regulation and NOFA. Each fiscal year, applications are solicited through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) published in the Federal Register. The applicants will need to follow the information in the NOFA and the Program Regulation.
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