Md. Value-Added Producer Matching Grants Available

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's agricultural producers to engage in value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Value-Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG).
These federal grant funds can be used for planning (up to $75,000) or working capital expenses (up to $250,000) in accordance with USDA regulations. Eligible purposes include feasibility studies or business plans, working capital for producing and marketing value-added agricultural products.
MARBIDCO is making available Maryland Value-Added Producer Matching Grants (MVAPMG) of up to 15% of the amount of a USDA-VAPG award to help an eligible applicant meet the one-for-one non-federal financial matching requirement. MARBIDCO's maximum grant amount is $11,250 for planning grants and $25,000 for working capital grants.
All applicants that meet the MARBIDCO requirements will receive a commitment of matching funds to be included with their federal USDA-VAPG application. A MVAPMG monetary award from MARBIDCO will only be provided to an applicant that is selected to receive USDA-VAPG funding.
The application submission deadline for the national USDA-VAPG program is April 11, 2024. Paper applications must be submitted by close of business on April 16, 2024, in the USDA RD State Office of the State where the project is located. Electronic applications must be submitted by April 11, 2024. Applications also are permitted via Grants.gov and must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on May 11, 2023.
Questions regarding the USDA-VAPG can be addressed to the Maryland/Delaware Office of USDA Rural Development at ******** or visit USDA's website for more information.
Applicants seeking to receive a commitment of matching funds from MARBIDCO must submit applications at least two weeks prior to the federal submission deadline. Extended to April 1, 2024, no later than 4:00 p.m., OR March 29, 2024, for a postmarked mail submission. Electronic submissions can be sent to ********


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