The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) through USDA’s Rural Development is currently accepting applications until February 24th for efforts aimed at assisting producers enter into value added production.  Approximately $10 million is available on a competitive evaluation basis, so successful applications must receive as many points as possible.

Notable for the 2014 round of VAPG funding, the maximum levels have decreased to $75,000 for planning grants that fund feasibility studies and to $200,000 for working capital implementation grants.

The Intertribal Agriculture Council can provide assistance on these developing applications and we do have matching fund assistance through generous support from the Shakopee Mdewkanton Sioux Community for projects in the Great Lakes and Great Plains Regions.  Contact dan at indianaglink.com for more information on assistance.