MACON – This free workshop is presented by USDA Rural Development, The University of Georgia’s Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, and The Center for Innovation Agribusiness. Thanks to our partners at Georgia Farm Bureau.
What does the Value Added Producer Grant program do?
The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Grants.gov.
- Planning grants can be used to develop feasibility studies, business plans, marketing plans and legal evaluations.
- Working capital grants can be used to purchase inventory, office equipment and supplies; pay salaries, utilities and office rent; cover legal and accounting costs; conduct marketing campaigns; and develop branding and packaging materials.
Who Can Apply: Independent producers, farmer or rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and producer-owned business ventures, including non-profit organizations.
Maximum Grant Amount: $75,000 for planning grants; $250,000 for working capital grants
Topics:
- Learn the ins and outs of the program from Al Burns with the USDA.
- Hear from successful grant writers about what is required.
- Hear about feasibility studies and business that may be required from Kent Wolfe with UGA.
- Hear about services provided by the Center for Innovation Agribusiness from Sara Cook.
Location: Georgia Farm Bureau Headquarters 1620 Bass Road, Macon, GA 31209 http://www.gfb.org/
Date: March 31st, 2016
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm
