Value Added Producer Grant Program

Do you have a business idea to turn your raw material to a value-added product? Do you make a product but want to expand your market? There is a funding opportunity for you to consider. The Clearwater Economic Development Association is a hosting a workshop on the USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant program. The VAPG program helps ag commodity growers create value added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. The goals of this matching grant program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income. Funding can support feasibility studies for producers to evaluate opportunities for value-added products and working capital to expand existing production or enter new markets. The workshop will include a presentation by USDA Rural Development Program Specialist Michelle Noordam and guidance on applying for funding. This is a great opportunity for North Central Idaho ag producers, with more funding available this year than in any previous year. We encourage you to review the grant information if you are interested. Applications are due March 10th.