Program Overview

The objective of this grant program is to assist viable Agricultural 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. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the end goals of the program. All proposals must demonstrate economic viability and sustainability to compete for funding.

To Apply

Applications will not be accepted via Grants.gov

Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program must be submitted through the Grant Application Portal, also known as GAP.

Before beginning your application, we encourage you to complete the VAPG Self-Assessment survey. This step is optional but can help you determine your potential eligibility for the program. We also recommend contacting your local Business Program Specialist to discuss your project. To find the appropriate contact, please select your state from the 'For State Specific Information' dropdown menu on the VAPG website. Once selected, your state’s contacts will appear under the Contact tab.

To access GAP and begin your application, you will need to log in through eAuthentication. All applicants must have Level 2 eAuthentication access. If you do not already have an eAuthentication account, you can create one at the USDA eAuthentication website. Please note that USDA eAuthentication is the system used by USDA agencies to provide secure access to web applications and services. It includes four levels of assurance. Level 2 access is required for GAP and provides a moderate level of confidence in verifying your identity.

Once you complete the login process, you will be directed to the GAP homepage where you can start a new application or return to one already in progress.

Starting an application in GAP

Please be aware, applications in the Grant Application Portal must be initiated by the Authorized Representative of the applicant entity who has the authority to sign on its behalf.

Applicants may collaborate with others, such as grant writers, consultants, technical assistance providers, owners, or family members. However, the Authorized Representative is responsible for starting the application, for any edits made by collaborators or representatives, and for certifying that the application is true, accurate, and complete.

Collaborators and representatives must have Level 2 eAuthentication access in order to be added to an application. If they do not already have an account, they can create one by visiting the USDA eAuthentication website.

The Agency will issue any public notifications on the program website and grants.gov when available. The notification will include the estimated amount of funding available.

Administrator Priorities for FY2026 will be as follows:

The Administrator of the Agency may award priority points to improve geographic diversity among awardees and to applications for projects that advance Rural Development priorities. To ensure funds are broadly utilized in support of Rural Prosperity and to improve life in rural America, the Administrator may also award points to eligible applicants who have never previously received a VAPG grant and to those requesting a grant amount of less than $125,000.

Applicants who pay for third-party professional services to prepare any part of the application or to provide grant management services must disclose both the name of the individual or entity and the amount paid. Professional services may include, but are not limited to, consultants, grant writers, technical assistance providers, packagers, or similar roles. If the amount paid for these services is 15% or less of the requested grant amount, there is no impact on eligibility for Administrator priority points. However, if the amount exceeds 15%, the application will not be eligible for consideration under Administrator priority.

As a reminder, under 7 CFR 4284.926(a)(6), grant or matching funds cannot be used to cover costs associated with preparing a grant application.

If an application is selected for funding, the Agency may request a copy of the contract or agreement to verify the disclosed information. This document must clearly define the scope of work and specify payment terms. Applicants who cannot provide this documentation, or whose documentation does not support the information submitted in the application, will have their award rescinded. The Agency may also request copies of any other contracts or agreements the applicant has with the third party related to the project to ensure service costs have not been shifted to other agreements before, during, or after the proposed project period.

If an application meets the eligibility criteria for Administrator priority points, it will automatically be considered for these points at the Administrator’s discretion.

Miscellaneous

• Other