Funding to Help Agricultural Producers Bring Increased Value to Their Products

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, August 16, 2012 – USDA-Rural Development Alaska State Director Jim Nordlund today invited agricultural producers to apply for grants to increase the value of their products.

“Producers can greatly enhance the bottom line of their businesses and improve their economic prospects when they improve the value of their products, thus expanding their markets and customer base,” Nordlund said. The Value Added Producer Grant program (VAPG) has a proven track record of doing just that and I am pleased to announce that we are inviting producers to apply for these grants by the deadline. The funds in this program enable Alaska’s farmers, ranchers and rural business owners to find ways to expand their product offerings, revenue streams and create more economic opportunity by bringing additional value to what they already produce.”

USDA Rural Development is making up to $14 million in grants available nation-wide for projects that help farmers and ranchers produce bio-based products from agricultural commodities. Applicants have until October 15, 2012 to apply.

The grants, which are competitively awarded, are available for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount is $100,000 for planning grants and $300,000 for working capital grants, both of which represent a dollar for dollar match by the applicant.Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities and increasing producer income are the goals of the VAPG program.

Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to apply, but priority will be given to operators of small and medium-sized farms or ranches that are structured as family farms, beginning farmers or ranchers, or those owned by socially-disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. Grants are available for projects up to 36 months in duration.

For information on how to apply, see page 48951 of the August 15, 2012 Federal Register,https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-08-15/pdf/2012-20082.pdf

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way –strengthening America’s economy and strengthening small towns and rural communities.

USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

For more information, visit https://www.rurdev.usda.gov