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 for the VAPG program must be completed through the Grant Application Portal (GAP).

Before starting your application, we encourage, but do not require you to complete a VAPG Self-Assessment survey to help confirm potential eligibility for the program. In addition, we recommend reaching out to your local Business Program Specialist to discuss your project. Please visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants and ensure that your State is selected in the dropdown menu to access the contact information for your local State Business Programs Specialist. 

To access the GAP and start an application you will be directed to log into the portal through eAuthentication. All applicants will need Level 2 eAuthentication access (eAuth). If you do not have eAuth, you will be required to create an account at https://www.eauth.usda.gov/. 

Please note: USDA eAuth is the system used by USDA agencies to enable individual customers and employees to obtain accounts that will allow them to securely access USDA Web applications and services via the Internet. The eAuth policy defines four assurance levels, Level 2 access is required for the GAP and provides some confidence in the asserted identity's validity. 

Once you’ve completed your log in process, you will be directed to the GAP Homepage where you can start an application or return to an application in process. 

Applications will not be accepted via Grants.gov

Starting an application in GAP

Please be aware, applications in GAP must be started by the Authorized Representative of the applicant entity who has signature authority. Applicants may work with a collaborator (grant writer, technical assistance provider, or similar) or other representatives (owners or family members) of the applicant entity, however, the owner of the applicant entity will be responsible for starting the application, responsible for edits made to the application by collaborators or representatives, and will be required to certify to the trueness, accuracy, and completion of the application. Collaborators and representatives will need Level 2 eAuth access to be added to an application and can create an account at https://www.eauth.usda.gov/.

Agricultural Producers, Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer or Rancher Cooperatives, or Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business

Program Management Division Phone (202) 720-1400