USDA Boosts Rural Economies With $26.5M in Grants

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is directing $26.5 million toward agricultural businesses through its Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program, with the goal of helping producers expand operations, develop new products and reach additional customers.

The investment will fund 194 projects nationwide involving activities such as agricultural processing, product development, marketing, distribution, and market research. USDA said the grants are designed to help producers capture more value from the commodities they grow and livestock they raise while creating additional income opportunities.

“While the Biden Administration waged economic war against our ranchers and farmers, the Trump Administration is focused on putting our ranchers and farmers first. These grants represent another investment in the Great American Cattle Herd as we fortify the American beef industry,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins.

She added that the program can help producers create new products and increase the value of their agricultural output.

“By supporting our ranchers and agricultural producers as they develop new products and increase the value of what they grow and raise, we’re helping to create new revenue opportunities to grow the herd and create long-term economic resilience in rural communities across this nation,” Rollins added.

“USDA Rural Development partners with people in rural America so they have the tools they need to build stronger businesses and create jobs for people in their communities,” said Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith.

“This program helps our producers eliminate middleman, create homegrown products from the crops and animals they grow, and put more money in their pockets and their local communities. It’s a win all around and we’re glad to be a part of it,” Smith added.

Of the total funding, $11.6 million will go to 80 beef-related projects, including businesses in Light Hill Meats in Tennessee, Family Farm Direct LLC in Pennsylvania and Blair Carney Farms LLC in Iowa.

Projects include beef processing, marketing, distribution, and specialty products such as dry-aged beef and jerky.

VAPG applications are generally accepted from January through May, depending on funding availability.

Photo Credit: usda