USDA is accepting applications for the Value Added Producer Grant program. Independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled, producer-based business ventures are eligible to apply. Applicants may receive priority if they are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain.
Grants up to $75,000 can be used for planning activities or for working-capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product.
Applications must be received by January 24, 2018.