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USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Agricultural Producers Increase the Value of Their Products
TEMPLE, TEXAS, April 13, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced USDA is making up to $44 million available nationwide to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.
“America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural entrepreneurs are innovative entrepreneurs, and this program helps them grow economic opportunities for their families and communities by increasing the value of the items they produce,” Vilsack said. “The Value-Added Producer Grant program has an excellent track record of helping producers enhance the value of products and expand their markets and customer base, strengthening rural America in the process.”
“Investing in the creative ideas of innovative Texans will result in a positive step towards rural economic and community development,” said Paco Valentin, Texas Rural Development State Director. “We are pleased to offer this opportunity to farmers, ranchers, and producers whose endeavors will strengthen rural communities and fuel innovation.”
Value-Added Producer Grants may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing ones. Priority for receiving these grants goes to veterans, members of socially disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, and operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches. An additional priority goes to applicants who seek funding for projects that will create or increase marketing opportunities for these types of operators.
More information on how to apply is on page 20607 of the April 8 Federal Register (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/04/08/2016-08028/inviting-applications-for-value-added-producer-grants). Please direct any additional questions to the Texas USDA Rural Development State Office at (254) 742-9780. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1, 2016. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due June 24, 2016. Additional information and assistance are available through the USDA Rural Development Office serving your county.