USDA Rural Development
Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)
Application Information & Template

NOTE: The 2009 notice of funds available (NOFA) for the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program was released September 1, 2009. This notice replaces the earlier funding announcement released May 6, 2009. Approximately $18 million in competitive grant funds is available to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $100,000 and the maximum grant amount for a working capital grant is $300,000. Deadline for submission of grant applications is November 30, 2009.

UPDATE: On Oct 5, 2009, USDA announced corrections for anticipated award date and eligible grant period dates for the Value-Added Producer Grant. These changes are reflected in the updated Planning Grant and Working Capital Grant templates available on this website. Be certain that you are using the October 2009 template versions attached below.

A list of the 2008 USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) recipients is available HERE.

A copy of the USDA press release announcing the 2008 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) recipients is available HERE.

The Food Processing Center (FPC) has developed a Template, complete with easy-to-understand instructions, for producers who are interested in applying for either a Planning or Working Capital Value-Added Producer Grant.  The template includes a title page, table of contents, headings, and descriptions of the content for each section.  Simply replace the template descriptions with the appropriate information on your grant proposal. 

To download the relevant template and accompanying forms, place your cursor over the template or form name, right click, and choose Save As from the menu that pops up.  Do this for each document and/or form required for the type of grant for which you are applying.  Make a note of the file location where the files are downloaded (i.e.--c:\windows\profiles\mydocuments).

Simply following the templates does not guarantee that your application will be determined to be eligible and complete, or that it will be funded. You should refer to the 2009 NOFA and the official USDA Grant Regulations in order to obtain a comprehensive list of program requirements. If you have questions during the application process, please contact your state USDA Rural Development Representative. In Nebraska, contact:

Joan Scheel
USDA Rural Development
Room 152 Federal Building
Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402)437-5594
Fax: (402) 437-5408
joan.scheel@ne.usda.gov

Contacts for other states can be found here.

If you are a producer of food inputs or a value-added food product and would like assistance preparing your grant application, please contact the Food Processing Center at 402-472-2832 or you may contact Suzanne Weeder-Einsphar directly at 402-472-5806 or e-mail her at sweeder1@unl.edu

NOTE ABOUT THE TEMPLATES: Instructions for filling out the templates are provided in the document.  Due to page length restrictions, delete the instructions for each section after addressing.  The 2 pages of instructions prior to the Title Page can be completely deleted.  Within the remaining document, be careful not to delete any of the section headings (i.e., Executive Summary, Eligibility Discussion, Proposal Narrative, etc.) or subheadings (i.e. Applicant Eligibility, Goals of the Project, Business Viability, etc.) as this is what generates the Table of Contents.

 

Templates and Forms for a Planning Grant:

Planning Grant Checklist - 2007
Planning Grant Template - OCT 2009
EXAMPLE: Application For Federal Assistance (sf424)
EXAMPLE: Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs (sf424a)

Required Forms
Application For Federal Assistance (sf424)
Assurances - Non-Construction Programs (sf424b)
Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs (sf424a)

Templates and Forms for a Working Capital Grant:

Working Capital Grant Checklist - 2007
Working Capital Grant Template - OCT 2009
EXAMPLE: Application For Federal Assistance (sf424)
EXAMPLE: Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs (sf424a)
Assurances - Non-Construction Programs (sf424b)
Required Forms
Application For Federal Assistance (sf424)
Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs (sf424a)
Assurances - Non-Construction Programs (sf424b)

Links

USDA Rural Development - Nebraska
USDA Rural Development - Federal