Agricultural Development
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports profitable and sustainable agricultural activity through several grant programs available to farmers and agricultural businesses.
Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
- Provides financial assistance for value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income
- Financial assistance is provided through grants (up to 50% of total project costs)
- Open to agricultural producers
Rural Energy for America Program
- Provides financial assistance for energy efficiency improvements or installation of renewable energy systems
- Financial assistance is provided through grants (up to 50% of total project costs) and guaranteed loan financing (up to 75% of total project costs)
- Open to agricultural producers and rural small businesses
Local Food Promotion Program
- Provides financial assistance for support of local and regional food systems
- Financial assistance is provided through grants (up to 75% of total project costs)
- Open to a wide range of agricultural businesses, cooperatives, non-profits, networks, authorities, and governments
Farmers Market Promotion Program
- Provides financial assistance for development of local farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer activities
- Financial assistance is provided through grants (up to 75% of total project costs)
- Open to a wide range of agricultural businesses, cooperatives, non-profits, networks, authorities, and governments
Agricultural Marketing Service
- Provides direct payments to landowners for preservation or enhancement of land features that reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and contribute to ecosystem health
- Includes payments for various activities including installing riparian buffers, preserving wetlands, enhancing soil carbon, reducing nutrient runoff, and more
- Payments are provided annually via contracts of 10 to 15 years in duration