Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income.

You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative or are proposing a mid-tier value chain.

Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Grants.gov.

• Agricultural producers (including harvesters and steering committees)

• Agricultural producer groups

• Farmer- or rancher-cooperatives

• Majority-controlled producer-based business ventures

Applicants must demonstrate that they:

• Own and produce more than 50% of the raw commodity

• Will retain greater revenue from the value-added product than from the raw commodity alone

Tp Check Eligibility:

A VAPG Self-Assessment Survey is available to help determine your eligibility. While not required, it is strongly encouraged before beginning the application process.

Take the VAPG Self-Assessment Survey

Grant and matching funds can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Examples of planning activities include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans for processing and marketing the proposed value-added product. Examples of working capital expenses include:

• Processing costs.

• Marketing and advertising expenses.

• Some inventory and salary expenses.

Before You Apply

To submit an application for this program, you must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with an active registration, as required by 2 CFR Part 25.

SAM registration is free, but the process can take time. It is recommended that you begin registering at least one month before the application deadline to ensure your registration is active when you apply.

If you are already registered in SAM, you do not need to register again. However, you must confirm that your registration is active and remains active throughout the Period of Performance.

Before starting the SAM registration process, review the HELP materials available on the SAM website. After creating your account, you can register your organization. Be sure to note your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), as it will be required for your application.

To Apply

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 above. 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.

Working with Collaborators on your Application

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.

VAPG Information

• Harvester Applicants [PDF]

• Locally Produced Food [PDF]

• Mid-Tier Value Chains [PDF]

• Anaerobic Digesters [PDF]

• Food Safety [PDF]

• Tribal Applicants [PDF]

• VAPG/LAMP Award Data by State Office, 2020-2022 [PDF]