Interested in applying for the USDA's Value Added Producer Grant?
Do you sell your produce as organic, local, free range, grass fed, etc. OR make a finished product from your produce? Are you interested in exploring the feasibility of doing so? The United States Department of Agriculture just announced a grant that can be used to develop or scale these types of activities. The Value Added Producer Grant provides funding to farmers (and other qualified stakeholders) that can be used towards expenses such as staffing, marketing, packaging, and more.
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It can feel overwhelming to submit an application on your own. We’re here to help! CAFF is offering scholarships to offset the cost of one-on-one grant writing with Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy, Inc. for up to 3 farmers. Ellen works with farmers to plan out an eligible project, construct a fundable budget for up to $49,998 worth of government funding, and write a complete grant application. She charges a fee of $6,500 per farm/application. CAFF is able to provide up to three $4,5000 scholarships to growers to help offset that cost. You will be required to pay the remaining $2,000 to get your application written.
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We hosted an informational webinar about this opportunity on Friday, March 4th from noon-1pm. You can listen to a recording of the webinar here.Â
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The scholarship application was open from Friday, March 4th at noon to Monday, March 7th at midnight. The application is currently closed. Stay tuned though because CAFF will offer this scholarship opportunity again next year!
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If you have any questions about the scholarship please email Kali at kali@caff.org.Â