GILLETTE, Wyo. — Farmers and ranchers can apply for a share of $31 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grants, the department announced today.
Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said in the news release that the grants are available to help farmers and ranchers access new and better markets by adding more value to their products. The Value-Added Producer Grant program grants help agricultural producers generate new products, create marketing opportunities and increase their incomes. The funding may be used for planning activities or working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Planning activities may include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries. The maximum award for a planning grant is $75,000. The maximum award for a working capital grant is $250,000.
USDA said it’s offering priority points to projects that advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals to help rural communities and people address climate change and environmental justice, advance racial justice, place-based equity, and opportunity, and create more and better market opportunities. Independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures are eligible for the grants. Beginning farmers or ranchers who are military veterans or socially disadvantaged individuals; small and mid-sized family farms or ranches; and farmer or rancher cooperatives will receive priority. The department favors projects that propose a mid-tier value chain by developing a supply network that moves agricultural products from production through consumption in a local or regional market.
Online applications are due by 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time May 11. Wyominigites can submit a paper application to
Glenn Pauley, State Director
Dick Cheney Federal Building
Post Office Box 11005
100 East B Street, Room 1217
Casper, WY 82601
Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed or sent overnight by May 16 or delivered in person or emailed to the Wyoming State Office by close of business May 16.
Anyone with questions can contact the Wyoming State Office or learn more by reviewing page 16396 of the March 17 Federal Register.
