WASHINGTON – USDA Rural Development is making $30 million available to agricultural producers to develop new product lines. Funding will be made available through USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant program.

“Farmers and ranchers are creative people who, with a little help, can put that creativity to work and improve the bottom line for their operations,” said Tom Vilsack, secretary of agriculture.

“Value-Added Producer Grants enable them to develop new product lines to grow their businesses and expand their contributions to our nation’s economy. This support is especially important for beginning farmers, military veterans engaging in farming and smaller farm operations participating in the local and regional food system,” he said.

VitaminSea Seaweed, based in Scarborough, is one company to benefit from a VAP Grant. The company received $99,988 to support a marketing plan, assist with the creation of unique packaging, and with increased labor production costs. VitaminSea harvests seaweed off the coast of Maine for the creation of a wide variety of products including health snacks. The business added three jobs and will retain three more as a result of the grant.

“Through the ingenuity of our dynamic Maine farmers and agricultural producers, the Value-Added Producer Grant can aid in the development and marketing of innovative Maine-made products. This program can be a catalyst for growth and an opportunity for business development, job creation and retention, and help support the overall prosperity of our rural communities,” said Virginia Manuel, USDA Rural Development state director.

The deadline to submit paper applications is July 7. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due July 2.

FMI: www.rd.usda.gov.