Value-Added Producer Grant

The objective of this grant program is to assist viable Independent 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. Key aspects of the program include: • Creating More and Better Markets: Assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure. • Advancing Racial Justice, Place-Based Equity, and Opportunity: Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD programs and benefits from RD funded projects. • Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice: Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities. Eligible applicants must meet specific requirements, including demonstrating economic viability and sustainability, and providing matching funds. Applications will be reviewed and scored based on criteria such as project viability, feasibility, and potential impact.