Value-Added and Local Food Grants

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Taylor in Farming Resources, Funding, Local Food, News, Policy, Politics, Sustainable Agriculture // 0 Comments

Welcome to the weekly roundup of news from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). This week’s news features information about the organization’s new Policy Director, Value-Added and Local Food Grants, and Food and Agriculture Research Funding…

RELEASE: Dr. Eric Deeble Joins National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition as Policy Director

Following a rigorous national search, NSAC announced this week the hiring of Dr. Eric Deeble to serve as the 30-year old organization’s new Policy Director. “Eric is an excellent fit for the work that we as a Coalition are hoping to advance,” said NSAC Coalition Director Sarah Hackney. “This is a pivotal time for organizations and communities working toward a more just, sustainable farm and food system. Eric understands the importance of building power from the grassroots up and the value of NSAC’s role in bringing those voices to decision-making tables in Washington.” Before coming to NSAC, Eric worked with the office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) as Senior Policy Advisor for agriculture, nutrition, and the arts.

$37 Million Available Value-Added and Local Food Grants

Value-added products bring in higher prices than raw products, which helps farmers and ranchers improve their bottom lines and grow their businesses – which in turn increases hiring and spending in their local communities! Making the jump to value-added production can be time and money intensive, though, which is why many producers use USDA’s VAPG program Value-Added and Local Food Grants to kickstart new or expand existing value-added operations. In December 2019, USDA RD announced the availability of at least $37 million in funding for VAPG projects with a 90 day application period. The deadline to submit paper VAPG applications in-person or via mail is March 10, 2020. Electronic applications for the Value-Added and Local Food Grants must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 5, 2020.

RELEASE: Newly Updated Farmers’ Guide to the Value-Added Producer Grant Program Published

In conjunction with USDA’s announcement of at least $37 million in available grant support VAPG, NSAC has released a newly updated version of its Farmers’ Guide to Applying for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program. The guide includes everything interested producers need to know about VAPG to determine if the program is a good fit for their operation, as well as details on changes made in the 2018 Farm Bill, and helpful tips to improve a producer’s chances of obtaining funding from this highly competitive program. “Our Farmers Guide is an amazing resource for producers because it lays out all the program details, eligibility guidelines, and other details in a simple and easy to use format,” said Wes King, NSAC Senior Policy Specialist.

$192 Million in Food and Agriculture Research Funding Now Available

Over $192 million are available in funding for AFRI, the largest federal agricultural research competitive grant program. In May 2019, AFRI released its FY 2020 RFA for its Foundational and Applied Science Program, which was recently updated and re-released by USDA. The purpose of AFRI’s “Foundational” program is to invest in research, education, and extension projects that support more sustainable, productive, and economically viable agricultural systems. The program specifically focuses on driving innovation to improve farm efficiency, sustainability, rural communities, human nutrition, as well as mitigating food waste and advancing classical breeding. Applications are due by November 18, 2020, although subprograms have separate deadlines – read our blog post for more details!

Learn more about farming and food jobs, internships, and apprenticeships, and learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by going to https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/