Part B · Startup-relevant scheme
Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
Grant
IdeationSeed / Early-Stage
Agriculture & Food
VAPG funds planning (feasibility studies, business plans) and working capital (processing, packaging, marketing) for agricultural producers moving into value-added products.
Type of support
Grant
Best suited for
Ideation / Early-Stage
Headline amount
Up to $200,000
How much
Up to $50K planning / $200K working capital
Objectives
Generate new products, expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income by helping farms capture more value from what they grow or raise.
Who can apply?
- Agricultural producers, producer groups, farmer/rancher cooperatives, or majority-controlled producer-based ventures.
- Must own and produce more than 50% of the raw commodity and retain greater revenue from the value-added product than from the raw commodity.
- Requires a 1:1 matching contribution (cash or eligible in-kind).
What do you get?
- Planning grants up to $50,000; working capital grants up to $200,000.
- ~$25 million in total funding available in recent cycles.
- 10% of funds reserved for beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers/ranchers plus food-safety projects.
How to apply
Apply through USDA Rural Development during an open funding cycle; watch for the annual Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Key links
Details as most recently confirmed against the official source linked above. Deadlines, amounts and windows change — verify on the official portal before applying.