MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Jan. 25, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development West Virginia State Director Ryan Thorn has announced that Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers and small businesses maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets.
Rural Development is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities.
“Helping our agricultural producers and rural small businesses reach new markets and maximize their profits is the purpose of this grant and it can really help take their operations to the next level,” said Thorn. “I would encourage anyone that’s interested in learning more about this fantastic opportunity to attend our upcoming Value-Added Producer Grant webinar.”
The Value-Added Producer Grant Program webinar will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on February 15, 2024. Rural Development West Virginia staff will provide an overview of the program, provide insight into the application scoring process, and answer any questions. Register for the webinar at tinyurl.com/VAPG24.
Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.
Rural Development may award up to $75,000 for planning activities or up to $250,000 for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product.
Planning activities may include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries.
Rural Development is particularly interested in applications that will advance Biden Administration priorities to:
· Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
· Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects; and
· Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
Paper applications must be postmarked and delivered by mail, email or in person to the USDA state office where the project is proposed by close of business on April 16, 2024. Electronic applications will be accepted via Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 11, 2024.
Additional information is available on page 2919 of the Jan. 17 Federal Register or by contacting your local USDA Rural Development office.
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