Baton Rouge, La. – Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack, recently announced that USDA is making $30 million
available nationally to farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs to develop new
product lines. Funding will be made available through USDA’s Value-Added
Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
“Farmers and ranchers are creative
people who, with a little help, can put that creativity to work and improve the
bottom line for their operations,” Vilsack said. “Value-Added Producer Grants
enable them to develop new product lines to grow their businesses and expand
their contributions to our nation’s economy. This support is especially
important for beginning farmers, military veterans engaging in farming and
smaller farm operations participating in the local and regional food system.”
More information on how to apply is on
page 26528 of the May 8 Federal Register. The
deadline to submit paper applications is July 7. Electronic applications
submitted through grants.gov are due July 2.
VAPG grants can be used to develop new
product lines from raw agricultural products or additional uses for already
developed product lines. Military veterans, socially disadvantaged, and
beginning farmers and ranchers; operators of small- and medium-sized family
farms and ranches; farmer and rancher cooperatives; and applicants that propose
mid-tier value chain projects are given special priority in applying for VAPGs.
Additional priority is given to group applicants who seek funding for projects
that “best contribute” to creating or increasing marketing opportunities for
these type of operators.
For more information on the VAPG
program, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
Before you apply: Request
a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number if your organization doesn’t
already have one. Register your organization with the System for Award Management (SAM) if you aren’t already registered. Remember,
you’ll need your DUNS number to complete your registration. Also, make a note
of your CAGE code and expiration date because you’ll need those for your
application.
Additional
requirements: You need to read the Federal Register notice for the details on what is
needed for an application. You may also need to fill out required forms.
You can get copies of those forms from your nearest Rural Development Office.
For questions
in Louisiana, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/la
or the State Office at
3727 Government Street, Alexandria,
LA 71302 or call 318-473-7920
| 844-325-6950.
###
No comments:
Post a Comment