VAPG (Value-Added Producer Grant)Grant

Rural Development · Minnesota

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 Minnesota

Regents Of The University Of Minnesota
$2.8M · Agriculture And Food Research Initiative (Afri)

Regents Of The University Of Minnesota
$2.8M · Payments To Agricultural Experiment Stations Under The Hatch Act

Agriculture, Minnesota Department Of
$2.0M · Plant And Animal Disease, Pest Control, And Animal Care

Regents Of The University Of Minnesota
$2.0M · Plant And Animal Disease, Pest Control, And Animal Care

Your Local Rural Development Office

FSA Aitkin County Farm Service Agency
130 Southgate Dr, Aitkin, MN 56431-7407
(218) 927-2912

NRCS Aitkin Service Center
130 Southgate Dr, Aitkin, MN 56431-7407
(218) 927-2912

Find more offices in Minnesota →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may qualify for VAPG in Minnesota?

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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

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 Minnesota

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.