Approximately $13.2 million is available for Value-Added Producer Grants

A Notice of solicitations of applications was published in the Federal Register on June 15, 2004. Applications are currently being accepted. For details visit the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) site. Application deadline is July 30, 2004.

The VAPG Program was authorized by the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 and was amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, better known as the 2002 Farm Bill. Grants may be used for planning activities and working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy.

Eligible applicants are independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.

The maximum amount that can be awarded is $500,000, and all VAPG funds must be matched by an equal amount of funds from the applicant or a third party.

Applications are currently being accepted for the program. Please read the funding announcement published in the Federal Register on June 15, 2004. The announcement is also posted on this website. Approximately $13.2 million will be available for grant awards in 2004.

For more information about the program, please read the program regulation posted at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm or contact the Wyoming State Rural Development Office to obtain additional information and assistance.

Wyoming USDA Rural Development contacts for this program:

Janice Stroud
Phone: (307) 233-6710

KayLyn Nerby
Phone: (307) 233-6721