USDA Rural Development Accepting Applications for 2021 Value Added Producer Grants

Applications Due March 22, 2021

USDA Rural Development (RD) is seeking applications for the Value Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG). Applications will be accepted through close of business on March 22, 2021. State information on the program and application materials are available on RD websites for Vermont and New Hampshire.

The VAPG program helps agricultural producers in rural communities develop and market their products, and widen their areas of distribution, to increase their income and
strengthen rural food networks. Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and producer-based
majority-controlled business ventures. In fiscal year 2020, RD funded a range of VAPG projects including:

• Echo Farm in Hinsdale, NH, recipient of a $250,000 grant to fund the market
  expansion of its all-natural farmstead pudding;
• 5 Generations Creamery Farmstead in West Glover, VT, which will use a
  $250,000 grant to increase production and distribution of its farmstead cheese;
• Flag Hill Winery & Vineyard in Lee, NH, beneficiary of a $250,000 grant to
  upgrade processing and develop new markets for its wine products; and
• Agricola Meats in Panton, VT, which received $204,098 to increase sales of
  its farm-produced, cured salami.

You can read more on these in the Nov/Dec 2020 issue of Green Energy Times at USDA Awarded $2.2 Million in Grants to Local Farmers and Producers « Green Energy Times

For more information on the VAPG program or to submit an application, please contact Elijah Massey at Elijah.Massey@usda.gov, 802-828-6081, or by mail:
USDA Rural Development
c/o Business Programs Division
87 State Street, Suite 324
Montpelier, VT 05601

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports housing,
infrastructure improvements, business development, high-speed internet access, and community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care. For more
information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.