The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces acceptance of applications under the 2026 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program.
Donor Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/22/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
The objective of this grant program is to assist for-profit Agricultural Producers, Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer and Rancher Cooperatives, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Businesses in starting or expanding value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of viable Value-Added Agricultural Products. Grants will be awarded competitively for either planning or working capital projects directly related to the processing and/or marketing of value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the end goals of the program. All proposals must demonstrate economic viability and sustainability to compete for funding.
Working capital projects must be ready for implementation and must not include any planning activities or be reliant on the completion of outside facility or capital improvements work to start the project. Planning grants may only be for the development of a Feasibility Study, Business and/or Marketing Plan by a Qualified Consultant and may not include any working capital activities.
Funding Information
- Available Funds: The Agency currently estimates that approximately $25 million.
- Maximum Award Amounts: Planning Grants, $50,000; Working Capital Grants, $200,000.
Project Period
3 years
Eligibility Criteria
The Agency encourages applications from Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal entities. Federally recognized Tribes and Tribal entities must demonstrate that they meet the definition requirements for one of the four eligible Applicant types. Tribal Applicants are encouraged to contact Agency staff early in the process to discuss Applicant and Project eligibility.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
