HILO, Hawaii (USDA) — Lorraine P. Shin, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Hawaii state director, says applications will soon be accepted for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program.
The primary objective of the VAPG program is to help eligible, independent producers of agricultural commodities, agriculture 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.
These value-added agriculture projects should increase net profit margins for the farmers and ranchers on the agriculture commodities they produce.
Value-added projects include marketing projects, as well as projects producing farm or ranch based renewable energy.
VAPG funds can be used for planning activities needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agricultural product — e.g., conduct a feasibility study, develop a business plan, or develop a marketing plan.
Funds can also be used for planning purposes or to acquire working capital to operate a value-added business venture that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets.
These grants can provide farmers and ranchers with investment funds needed to expand their role in developing and marketing value-added products, creating jobs and improving financial returns for producers and farm families.
To learn more about the VAPG program, contact Timothy W. O’Connell at 808-933-8313, or e-mail tim.oconnell@hi.usda.gov.