USDA RD Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG)

USDA RD Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) application window is currently open. VAPG is designed to assist agricultural producers in developing new products, expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing their income through value-added activities. Maximum Grant Awards for working capital are $200,000 and $50,000 for Planning Grants. Individuals can apply for the Planning grant for feasibility studies, developing business plan, etc. and then the following year come back and apply for the working capital grant. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) can be found at Grants.gov. Applicants should pay special attention to Section 5.2 – Scoring, which outlines the Administrator Priorities. For more information, visit Value Added Producer Grants or email Rd.nj.rbcs@usda.gov .

Zoom Link https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/k2PhxSD-zx7GtPe3hDlL6XFMBnBHENmOcN_hFCHrbMvGCTQfV66Dotz6VzEJRc0D.SxPfFUnjwhA8bYuJ?startTime=1765393333000 Passcode: 6R!6.1S1 Please note the following important updates:

Updated Application Deadline: April 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET Submission Method: All applications must be submitted through the Grant Application Portal.

For Applicants Who Started Applications Before the Pause:

Applicants have been notified that the application window is open. They now have full editing access to their existing applications in the Grant Application Portal and can continue working on them. If an applicant has already submitted an application, they may modify and resubmit it if they choose.