OPPORTUNITY!

Organic growers need just apply
Value-added producer grant program searches for applicants-- Applications Due October 20, 2003

The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service is inviting applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG). VAPG is a competitive grants program administered by USDA's Rural Business Cooperative Service that makes funds available to help producers enter into value-added activities. The program is administered through State USDA Rural Development offices.

Individual producers, cooperatives, farm alliances and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures are encouraged to apply. Grants are awarded for both the marketing and processing of an agricultural product. Hard-won language was adopted in the 2002 farm bill to qualify how an item is grown or raised (e.g. grass-fed, free range, organic, etc.) as value-added.

Grants may be used to:

1. develop business plans and feasibility studies (including marketing plans or other planning activities) needed to establish viable marketing opportunities for value added products; or
2. for acquiring working capital to operate a value-added business venture or an alliance.

Applications are due by 4:00 pm on Monday, October 20, 2003, and electronic submission of proposals is strongly encouraged. Click for the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA)

Note: This NOFA is identical to last year's, so applicants should contact their state USDA Rural Development director's office for information. The list of contacts is in the NOFA.

For more information and contacts about the Value-Added Producer Grants Program, go to: http://www.sustainableagriculture.net/Value_Added.php

For a list of 2002 VAPG grant awards go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2002/value_ad.htm