The U.S. Department of Agriculture is calling for feedback on its $76 million Value-Added Producer Grant Program, which provides funding for rural businesses, ranchers and farmers to grow their income by developing and marketing new products.
The program hosts a national competition to award $75,000 planning grants and $250,000 working capital grants to independent agricultural producers and producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer businesses.
The USDA is seeking recommendations from these groups on how to improve the program application process and eligibility requirements. Submit feedback online by 11:59 p.m. EST on October 25 or register here to attend a listening session on October 6 at 2 p.m. EST.