WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of nearly $10.5 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities designed to give them a competitive business edge.
"U.S. agriculture is connected to one in 12 American jobs, and value-added products from homegrown sources are one important way that agriculture generates economic growth," Vilsack said. "Supporting producers and businesses to create value-added products strengthens rural economies, helps fuel innovation, and strengthens marketing opportunities for producers – especially at the local and regional level."
The funding is being made available through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. Grants are available to help agricultural producers create new products, expand marketing opportunities, support further processing of existing products or goods, or to develop specialty and niche products. They may be used for working capital and planning activities. The maximum working capital grant is $200,000; the maximum planning grant is $75,000.
Grant applications are due by Feb. 24, 2014. More information about how to apply is available on page 70260 of the November 25 Federal Register, or by contacting any USDA Rural Development state office.
Latest from Produce Grower
- The Growth Industry podcast Episode 10: State of the Horticulture Industry
- Bimi Baby Broccoli partners with Cal-Organic Farms
- Millennium Pacific Greenhouses launches California Grown Cucumber Program
- Scientists develop vitamin A-enriched tomato to fight global deficiency
- UTIA and UT Knoxville research teams will develop automated compost monitoring system
- [WATCH] Taking root: The green industry’s guide to successful internships
- [WATCH] Advances in growing media for CEA production
- Award winners announced for 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show
