North Carolina Value Added Producer Grant

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps U.S. agricultural producers enter into value-added activities that: ▪ Generate new products from raw agricultural commodities ▪ Create and expand marketing opportunities ▪ Increase producer income through enhanced product value and market reach These grants support either: ▪ Planning activities (e.g., feasibility studies, business and marketing plans) ▪ Working capital needs (e.g., processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and salaries) Applicants may receive priority consideration if they meet any of the following criteria: ▪ Beginning farmer or rancher ▪ Veteran farmer or rancher ▪ Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher ▪ Small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm ▪ Farmer or rancher cooperative ▪ Proposing a Mid-Tier Value Chain project Additionally, 10% of total funds are reserved for: ▪ Beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers/ranchers ▪ Mid-tier value chain proposals ▪ Food safety projects where the majority of funds improve market access