Value Added Producer Grants in Alaska

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). Eligible applicants include: ▪ Agricultural producers (including harvesters and steering committees). ▪ Agricultural producer groups. ▪ Farmer- or rancher-cooperatives. ▪ Majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Applicants must demonstrate that they: ▪ Own and produce more than 50% of the raw commodity. ▪ Will retain greater revenue from the value-added product than from the raw commodity alone.