USDA Rural Development
Value Added Producers Grant Program

SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the availability of approximately $19.475 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2006 to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. Of this amount, $1.5 million is set aside for applicants requesting $25,000 or less. Awards may be made for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $100,000 and the maximum grant amount for a working capital grant is $300,000.

DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines:Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than March 31, 2006, to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Electronic copies must be received by March 31, 2006 to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain application guides and materials for a VAPG at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm or by contacting your USDA Rural Development State Office. You can reach your State Office by calling (202) 720-4323 and pressing ``1''. Submit completed paper applications for a grant to Cooperative Programs, Attn: VAPG Program, Mail Stop 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that should be used for FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558. Submit electronic grant applications at  http://www.grants.gov - following the instructions found on this Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm   - which contains application guidance, including Frequently Asked Questions and an Application Guide. Or you may contact your USDA Rural Development State Office. You can reach your State Office by calling (202) 720-4323 and pressing ``1'', or by selecting the State Contacts link at the above Web site. Applicants are encouraged to contact their State Offices well in advance of the deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the application process.

Niagara Mohawk Dairy Industry Productivity Grant Program.

Program Details

Program Application (PDF File)

SARE Farmer/Grower Grant Program

The Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE) encourages farmers in the northeast who want to explore innovative sustainable practices on their farms to apply for this grant. The Farmer/Grower Grant program allows farmers and growers to conduct experiments, try new approaches, and test emerging ideas about agricultural sustainability. The emphasis is on new ideas that advance good stewardship, improve farm profitability, and strengthen rural communities.

For more information and an application, go to: http://www.uvm.edu/~nesare/FGinfo.html