VAPG Application Workshops by Food Finance Institute

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) provides $250,000 to farmers who add value to their products. This award from USDA Rural Development is one of the most sought-after grants in the farm community. If you're an agricultural producer or group enhancing raw farm commodities and can show growth in both customer base and revenue, you may qualify for a VAPG! The Food Finance Institute is offering a 2-part online workshop to help farm businesses prepare and win a VAPG in 2025. The VAPG application is detailed and time-consuming, requiring specific eligibility, extensive documentation, and market research. To submit a complete, standout application, it's crucial to understand the requirements and best practices. At FFI's 2025 VAPG Workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare a competitive application.  The 2025 VAPG Workshop takes place virtually on January 7 and 14 from 11AM-1PM Central Time.  Participants will receive:  4 hours of group instruction from FFI's Farm Program Manager, Andy Larson, along with VAPG program leaders, grant writers, and past VAPG grant recipients 50 minutes of one-on-one consulting with Andy Larson to discuss your VAPG project and develop a winning strategy Insight, resources, and strategies concerning the most essential-to-know VAPG topics

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Featured Speakers Include: Andy Larson, FFI Farm Program Manager Mike Daniels,  VAPG Program Administrator, USDA Rural Development Liz Graznak, VAPG Grant Recipient, Happy Hollow Farm Michael Gutschenritter, VAPG Grant Recipient, Three Brothers Farms Caroline Selle, Consultant and Grant Writer, Stepwell Strategies Ben Shorofsky, Consultant and Grant Writer, Stepwell Strategies

Participants say... “"The FFI crew understands and explains the nuances of the VAPG so that you can write a compelling story according to what the reviewer wants to hear. You absolutely would not be able to do that without consultants like them.” — Michael Gutschenritter, VAPG Grant Recipient, Three Brothers Farm

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