Oregon
Business &
Cooperative Programs
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Oregon
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Value-Added Producer Grant
(VAPG) Program
(last updated August 17, 2011)
Go to the RD-Oregon Business Programs home page
Notice to Hispanic and/or Women Farmers and
Ranchers! If you believe that USDA improperly denied you farm loan
benefits between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, Latino, or female, you
may be eligible to apply for compensation --
www.farmerclaims.gov or call
1-888-508-4429.
Aviso a agricultores y ganaderos Hispanos o mujeres agricultoras o
ganaderas! Si usted considera que USDA le negó indebidamento
beneficios de préstamos agrícolas entre los años 1981 y el 2000 por ser hispano
o mujer, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos par solicitar comensación --
www.farmerclaims.gov or puede lllamar
al 1-888-508-4429
The deadline for 2011 VAPG applications is August 29, 2011.
2011 Federal Register notice inviting VAPG applications - contains rules governing 2011 VAPG application process
There are five eligible value-added "methodologies" that VAPG can support:
| Category #1 Commodity processing |
Category #2 Enhanced production |
Category #3 Commodity segregation |
Category #4 * Renewable energy (on-farm) |
Category #5 Locally-produced food products |
| Increasing value by changing the commodity's physical state | Producing the commodity in a manner that enhances its value | Increasing value by keeping the commodity physically apart in production and distribution | Transforming agricultural commodities into energy on the farm ** | Increasing value by raising, producing, and marketing the commodity within state or within 400 miles of the farm |
| Examples: Wine, jam, flour, sliced fruit, biodiesel |
Examples: Organic, free-range, "natural" |
Examples: GMO-free; varietal purity |
Examples: Biomass, anaerobic digesters, E85 fuel |
Examples: Locally-grown |
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Planning |
Planning |
Planning |
Planning |
Planning |
* Note! Energy projects using wind, solar, geothermal, or hydro resources are ineligible.
** Note! Working Capital applicants may be required to submit a detailed Business Plan and/or independent Feasibility Study:
Business Plan - A detailed business plan is required for Working Capital grants of $50,000 or more.
Feasibility Study - An independent feasibility study is required for Working Capital grants of $50,000 or more unless the applicant is an independent producer who has been doing the activity for more than 2 years.
What's new with VAPG in 2011 - notable changes in the VAPG program from previous years
Application Templates
To apply for VAPG in 2011, complete both of the following templates. The templates work regardless of whether you are applying for a Planning or a Working Capital grant:
VAPG forms template - a table of contents, and the required USDA forms.
National VAPG narrative template - the balance of the application including narrative, certifications, budget details, and appendices -- now in Word.
If (and only if) you are an "Independent Producer" (or "Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture") applying for a Working Capital grant of $49,999 or less, you can use this template:
Small Working Capital template - this template is much more streamlined that the two-part templates above because it is specific to this type of VAPG project
Recent Projects
Tools
Forms for grant applicants - or use the "VAPG forms template" below. Includes guidance on DUNS number and Central Contractor Registration (CCR) process.
National VAPG web site - includes many helpful links
Regulations
General grant regulation - RD Instruction 4284-A
Interim rule - A new "interim" rule to govern the VAPG program was published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2011, and went into effect on March 25, 2011. This interim rule will govern the 2011 round of VAPG applications. Note: The regulation itself starts on page 10122, column 3; everything before that is introductory.
Help for Grant Awardees
Spreadsheet for requesting VAPG grant draws - For grant reporting and reimbursement requests
Links
RD-Oregon contacts for the VAPG program