USDA Seeks Applications to Help Farmers and Ranchers Venture into New and Better Markets

USDA today announced that the Agency is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets.

USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities.

Maximiliano J. Trujillo-Ortega, USDA Rural Development Puerto Rico State Director indicated that eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.

USDA may award up to $75,000 for planning activities or up to $250,000 for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product.

In 2023 Rural Development Puerto Rico awarded $770,000 to four agricultural projects in the island. The projects where: Finca Luis Roig Inc., in Yauco, Nestor Reyes Farm & Associate Inc., in Rio Grande, Loyd Sanabria-Hernandez in Salinas and De Mi Tierra A Mi Pueblo Corp., in Caguas.

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.

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will advance Biden-Harris Administration priorities to: 

• Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities. 
• Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects; and   
• Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.

Paper applications must be postmarked and delivered by mail, email or in person to the state office where the project is proposed by close of business on April 16, 2024. Electronic applications will be accepted via Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 11, 2024.