VAPG (Value-Added Producer Grant)Grant

Rural Development · Illinois

Program Overview

Grants for farmers creating value-added products — farm-to-table, artisan cheese, craft meats, specialty jams, agritourism, etc.

Program Details

Value Range Planning: up to $75,000; Working Capital: up to $250,000 (requires 1:1 match)

Deadline Annual, typically spring (check grants.gov)

Where to Apply grants.gov or USDA Rural Development state office

Complexity Very High — requires business plan, market research, feasibility study, budget, 3 letters of support

Required Documents

Schedule F (farm income)
Business plan
Market research
Feasibility study (if >$50K)
Matching funds documentation

Forms

SF-424
SF-424A
Full narrative application (60-100 hours to prepare)

Priority Advantages

The following groups may receive priority consideration for this program:

Beginning Farmer: higher payment rates, dedicated set-asides, fee waivers
Veteran: priority scoring in applications
Socially Disadvantaged: priority scoring, dedicated set-asides

Pro Tip: If you're turning raw products into something with higher value (cheese, jerky, wine, flour, etc.) this grant can fund your launch. Requires matching funds.

Recent Awards in Illinois

University Of Illinois
$3.0M · Payments To Agricultural Experiment Stations Under The Hatch Act

University Of Illinois
$2.2M · Expanded Food And Nutrition Education Program

National Experienced Workforce Solutions, Inc
$1.6M · Environmental Quality Incentives Program

University Of Illinois
$1.0M · Agriculture And Food Research Initiative (Afri)

Your Local Rural Development Office

FSA Adams County Farm Service Agency
338 S 36Th St, Quincy, IL 62301-5807
(217) 224-9307

NRCS Quincy Service Center
338 S 36Th St, Quincy, IL 62301-5807
(217) 224-9307

Find more offices in Illinois →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may qualify for VAPG in Illinois?

Grants for farmers creating value-added products — farm-to-table, artisan cheese, craft meats, specialty jams, agritourism, etc. Contact your local Rural Development office in Illinois for specific eligibility requirements.

How much does VAPG pay?

Value range: Planning: up to $75,000; Working Capital: up to $250,000 (requires 1:1 match). Actual amounts depend on your specific situation, crops, and acreage.

When is the VAPG deadline?

Annual, typically spring (check grants.gov). Contact your local Rural Development office for the most current dates.

How do I apply for VAPG in Illinois?

Apply at grants.gov or USDA Rural Development state office. Required forms: SF-424, SF-424A, Full narrative application (60-100 hours to prepare).

Related Programs in Illinois

REAP (Rural Energy for America Program)Grant

Rural Development · Quarterly application windows

SARE Farmer/Rancher GrantGrant

NIFA (via SARE regions) · Varies by region, typically fall or winter

Specialty Crop Block GrantGrant

AMS · Varies by state — check your state department of agriculture

FMPP (Farmers Market Promotion Program)Grant

AMS · Annual, typically spring (check ams.usda.gov)

Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development ProgramGrant

NIFA · Varies

Learn More at USDA →

Program information sourced from USDA. Eligibility described here is general guidance only. Confirm at your local FSA or NRCS office. FarmGrant is not affiliated with USDA.