Chapter List
• Value Added Producer Grant program eligibility and requirements. 0:03
o Value Added Producer Grant program provides funding for agricultural businesses to add value to commodities.
o Deadlines for application submission: April 11 for electronic and April 16 for paper applications.
• Agricultural producer eligibility and project eligibility. 4:41
o Eligibility requirements for agricultural producers include being an independent producer, group, cooperative, or majority control producer based business.
o Speaker 1 explains that applicants must produce at least 50% of the raw commodity used in their valueadded product, from seed to harvest.
o Eligible products include those that undergo a change in physical state, are produced in a manner that enhances value, or are physically segregated, such as organic carrots or freerange eggs.
o Definition 1: Physically separating agricultural commodities (e.g. GMO corn from nonGMO corn) on the same farm during production and harvesting.
o Definition 4: Using agricultural commodities (e.g. dairy manure) to generate renewable energy on a farm or ranch owned or leased by the independent producer.
• Agricultural grant program eligibility and expenses. 12:16
o FDA allows hemprelated projects but CBD products need approval due to FDA ruling as a drug.
o The grant program has two types of grants: Planning Grant and Working Capital Grant.
o Eligible uses of Working Capital Grant funds include paying eligible project expenses directly related to the processing and marketing of a valueadded product.
o Market expansion requests must be for new markets and customers, with eligible expenses including advertising and website development.
• Grant application requirements for farmers. 18:26
o Matching funds can be cash, loan, line of credit, inkind donations, or thirdparty contributions.
o Project proposal should include detailed work plan and budget.
o Applicants can earn priority points for certain categories, including beginning farmers, veterans, socially disadvantaged farmers, and more.
• VAPG program eligibility and application tips. 24:54
o Speaker provides clarification on VAP G grant eligibility criteria, including loans and lines of credit as cash matches.
o Miss Allen clarifies eligibility for locally produced ag food products, including sold outside of 400 mile radius.
o Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of seeking out reputable consultants for business planning and feasibility studies, rather than relying on unqualified individuals.
o Speaker 1 offers to provide cursory reviews of applications before the deadline to help ensure that all necessary information is included and to answer any questions potential applicants may have.


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