BI grants - rcdg discretionary value-added agricultural prod MKT dvlp

Runamok Maple, LLC received a $250,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services (RBCS) under the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program (CFDA 10.352) on August 14, 2025, with a project completion date of August 14, 2027. This award supports the development and marketing of new value-added maple food products, including specialty syrups, infused honeys, and cocktail mixes. The funding represents a working capital grant category allocation, which provides operational resources for the processing and marketing activities necessary to expand Runamok Maple's product line and market reach within the specialty foods sector.

The VAPG program, administered by RBCS, specifically targets agricultural producers and producer-based businesses seeking to enhance income and create economic opportunities through value-added processing and marketing activities. Under this award, Runamok Maple will leverage the $250,000 in obligated funds to support day-to-day operational expenses associated with transforming raw agricultural commodities into higher-value processed maple products. As a Small Disadvantaged Business located in Fairfax, Vermont, the company's project aligns with the program's goal of fostering agricultural innovation and market development while strengthening rural agricultural enterprises through competitive federal funding.