February 19, 2008

USDA Grant Programs


The following USDA grants programs may be of interest to some folks in the aquaculture community. The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service is accepting applications for grants to help independent agricultural producers market value-added agricultural products and farm-based renewable energy products

This grant program is intended to assist eligible independent producers of agricultural commodities, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures develop strategies to create marketing opportunities and to help develop business plans for viable marketing opportunities. Eligible agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority controlled producer-based business ventures must limit their proposals to emerging markets. These grants will facilitate greater participation in emerging markets and new markets for value-added products.

Awards may be made for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $100,000 and the maximum grant amount for a working capital grant is $300,000. For more information about the Value-Added Producer Grants Program go to: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm 

Applicants are encouraged to contact USDA Rural Development State Office which can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html  for more details and information.