USDA Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) Program Accepting Applications

Grants Available to Help Farmers and Ag Producers Expand Market Opportunities and Generate Revenue

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for approximately $30 million in fiscal year 2025 funding to help agricultural producers and farmers expand market opportunities and generate more revenue through the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program.

Eligible independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures can use these grants to generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities.

USDA may award up to $75,000 for planning activities like conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans or up to $250,000 for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing these products. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries.

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; and
• Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.

Electronic applications will be accepted via the VAPG application portal until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 17, 2025. Visit Grants.gov or contact Casi McKinnon to learn more about this funding opportunity.