Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development West Virginia State Director Ryan Thorn announced that Rural Development is investing $136,134 in grant funding to four farmers and agricultural producers through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG).
“West Virginia’s small agricultural producers are vital to our food supply and local economies,” said Thorn. “Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program helps producers develop innovative products, develop new packaging, improve operational efficiencies, and ultimately generate additional income by expanding their product offerings and marketing that product to a new customer base. These VAPG investments are a testament of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to supporting small businesses and Rural Development’s continued priority of creating new opportunities for our rural communities from the bottom-up and middle-out.”
Since 2021, Rural Development has invested more than $82 million to 259 rural small businesses, farmers and agricultural producers across West Virginia through its business programs.
The Value-Added Producer Grant program provides up to $250,000 to agricultural producers seeking to turn their raw crop and commodity into a new, more profitable finished product. The grant can be used to cover half the cost of a project, including working capital to help produce or market the product, or funding to conduct a feasibility study.
The following investments were announced:
In Monroe County, Sunset Berry Farms will use a $49,999 VAPG grant to help expand its customer base to new farmers markets across the southern region of West Virginia. This project is in Alderson.
In Monongalia County, Mon Valley Mushrooms will use a $20,000 VAPG grant to improve the processing techniques in producing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms and to help maximize the quality and quantity. This project is in Morgantown.
In Hampshire County, Margoah Farm will use a $19,441 VAPG grant to purchase supplies related to processing and packaging of frozen vegetables, items related to selling at local farmers markets, and for marketing new products. This project is in Capon Bridge, West Virginia.
In Preston County, Riffle Farms will use a $46,694 VAPG grant to increase production and marketing of bison meatballs as well as increase its customer base. This project is located in Terra Alta and is expected to create one job and save one job.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. USDA Rural Development supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information on Rural Development programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov/wv.
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