MARCH 2024
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – RURAL DEVELOPMENT<br />
VAPG Program Assisting State Agricultural Producers<br />
The Rural Development Value-Added<br />
Producer Grant (VAPG) program allows<br />
agricultural producers to receive<br />
funding to help improve the quality<br />
of life in rural communities. This program<br />
helps Agricultural producers enter<br />
value-added activities related to<br />
the processing and/or marketing of<br />
bio-based, value-added products. The<br />
goals of this program are to generate<br />
new products, create and expand marketing<br />
opportunities, and increase producer<br />
income.<br />
Applications are categorized into two<br />
funding groups: Planning Activity<br />
grants and Working Capital Activity<br />
grants. This program will also allow<br />
grant funds and matching funds to be<br />
utilized for planning activities or working<br />
capital expenses. The grants are<br />
awarded through a national competition.<br />
Each fiscal year, applications are<br />
requested through a notice published<br />
in the Federal Register and through an<br />
announcement posted on Grants.gov.<br />
Recently funded projects in Louisiana:<br />
Bonanza Crawfish LLC, Henderson<br />
received the FY23 VAPG award of<br />
$250,000. The funds will be utilized<br />
for working capital expenditures to<br />
expand live crawfish sales through direct<br />
retail and increased marketing.<br />
The grant will help the company grow<br />
by expanding direct sales throughout<br />
the state over the next three years. The<br />
project is expected to save and sustain<br />
17 existing jobs and create two new<br />
jobs.<br />
T. Moise Farms, Sunset, received a FY20<br />
VAPG grant award of $183,441. The<br />
funds are utilized for working capital<br />
added value to the agricultural producers’<br />
farming operation. Berkshire hogs,<br />
known for quality pork, will enhance<br />
the production of value-added products<br />
such as pork chops, sausage, and<br />
boudin. Grant and matching funds will<br />
be used for processing, labor, supplies,<br />
packaging, labeling, advertising, and<br />
marketing via direct retail channels of<br />
local and regional farmer’s markets,<br />
wholesale food establishments, and<br />
restaurants. The project is expected<br />
to create two new jobs and assist the<br />
agricultural producer with expanding<br />
their customer base, as well as boost<br />
revenue to support a thriving small rural<br />
business operation.<br />
Rural Development is continuing outreach<br />
efforts to promote this program<br />
and provide guidance to eligible applicants.<br />
To apply for the Value-Added Producer<br />
Grant, completed applications must be<br />
submitted in either paper or electronic<br />
format. Electronic applications e-filed<br />
through https://www.grants.gov must<br />
be filed by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)<br />
on April 11. Completed paper submissions<br />
must be turned in to the USDA<br />
Rural Development State Office, 3727<br />
Government Street, Alexandria, by<br />
April 16 at 4:30 p.m. Interested parties<br />
must adhere to deadlines to ensure<br />
consideration for the grant program.<br />
By Diedre<br />
Deculus<br />
Robert, Esq.<br />
USDA Rural<br />
Development<br />
Louisiana State<br />
Director<br />
Robert can be contacted by emailing<br />
Deidre.Robert@usda.gov.<br />
Page 24<br />
LMR | <strong>MARCH</strong> <strong>2024</strong>
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