Funder: Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Due Dates: April 17, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET, electronic submission only)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 (planning grants) or $250,000 (working capital grants); project period up to 3 years; ~$30M total program funding
Summary: Supports agricultural producers and related groups in developing or expanding value-added activities to increase income and market opportunities.
Key Information: 100% matching funds required; applications must be submitted via the Grant Application Portal (not Grants.gov).
Description
This program assists agricultural producers, producer groups, cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based businesses in starting or expanding value-added activities related to processing and/or marketing agricultural products. The goal is to generate new products, expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. Grants are awarded competitively for either planning or working capital projects, and all proposals must demonstrate economic viability and sustainability.
Due Dates
- Application Deadline: April 17, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- Submission Method: Electronic submission via the Grant Application Portal
- No submissions via Grants.gov
Funding Amount
- Total Program Funding: Approximately $30 million
- Maximum Grant Amounts:
- Planning Grants: up to $75,000
- Working Capital Grants: up to $250,000
- Project Duration: Up to 3 years, depending on project complexity
- Matching Requirement: 1:1 match (100% of the grant amount) in cash or eligible in-kind contributions
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Agricultural producers (including harvesters and steering committees)
- Agricultural producer groups
- Farmer or rancher cooperatives
- Majority-controlled producer-based business ventures
Additional notes:
- Federally recognized Tribes and Tribal entities are encouraged to apply (must meet applicant type definitions).
- Only one application per applicant per cycle.
- Applicants who have previously received a planning or working capital grant for the same project are not eligible for another grant for that project.
- Priority is given to beginning, veteran, and socially-disadvantaged farmers/ranchers, small/medium family farms, cooperatives, and mid-tier value chain projects.
Application Process
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Pre-Registration:
- Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
- Ensure SAM registration is active throughout the application and award period.
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Application Portal:
- Applications must be submitted through the VAPG Grant Application Portal.
- All applicants and collaborators must have Level 2 eAuthentication (eAuth registration).
- The application must be started by the authorized representative with signature authority.
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Application Materials:
- Complete all required forms and upload supporting documents (acceptable file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .xls, .xlsx, .txt, .ppt, .pptx).
- Do not password-protect documents; accept all tracked changes.
- Avoid special characters in file names.
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Matching Funds:
- Provide documentation for matching funds (cash or in-kind).
- Matching funds must be used for eligible project purposes.
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Optional Tools:
- Complete the VAPG Self-Assessment Survey to check eligibility (not required).
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Review Process:
- Applications are scored on project feasibility, operational efficiency, economic sustainability, qualifications of key personnel, work plan and budget, matching funds, and priority categories.
- Minimum score for funding consideration is 50 out of 100.
Additional Information
- Allowable Uses: Planning (feasibility studies, business/marketing plans) or working capital (processing, marketing, advertising, some inventory/salary expenses).
- Unallowable Uses: See 7 CFR 4284.926 for details.
- Reporting: Semiannual financial and performance reports required; final report due within 120 days of project completion.
- Reserved Funds: 10% of funds are reserved for beginning, veteran, and socially-disadvantaged farmers/ranchers, mid-tier value chain, and food safety projects.
- Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures: Limited to 10% of total program funds.
External Links
Contact Information