Description
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 the VAPG Self-Assessment survey to help confirm your potential eligibility for the program. Additionally, we recommend contacting your local Business Program Specialist to discuss your project. To find contact information, please visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants and select your State from the dropdown menu. To access the Grant Application Portal (GAP) and start an application, you will be prompted to log in through USDA eAuthentication (eAuth). All applicants must have Level 2 eAuth access. If you do not have an eAuth account, you can create one at https://www.eauth.usda.gov/. Please note: USDA eAuth is the system that allows customers and employees to securely access USDA web applications and services online. The eAuth policy defines four assurance levels; Level 2 access is required for GAP and provides a moderate level of identity verification. 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 note that applications in the Grant Application Portal (GAP) must be started by the Authorized Representative of the applicant entity who has signature authority. While applicants may work with collaborators such as grant writers, technical assistance providers, or other representatives like owners or family members, the Authorized Representative remains responsible for initiating the application, ensuring the accuracy of any edits made by collaborators or representatives, and certifying the truthfulness, accuracy, and completeness of the application. Collaborators and representatives will also need Level 2 eAuth access to be added to an application and can create an account at https://www.eauth.usda.gov/. Administrator Priorities The Administrator of the Agency may prioritize applications that demonstrate domestic manufacturing and industrial capacity, domestic energy production and energy security, development of new and expanded markets for American farmers and rural producers, and program integrity, including efforts to prevent and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse. To ensure funds are broadly utilized in support of Rural Prosperity and to improve quality of life in rural America, the Administrator, at his discretion, will advance these priorities by awarding a maximum of 10 points for the following three categories: Eligible applicants who have never previously received a VAPG grant (up to 5 points). Applicants requesting a grant amount of less than $125,000 (up to 5 points). Applicants that contribute to improving geographic diversity among awards (up to 10 points). To ensure program integrity, and to help prevent fraud, waste and abuse, 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. 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.