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

Keepers Collective LLC received a $250,000 Project Grant award dated August 25, 2025, from the Rural Business Cooperative Services (RBCS) under the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program (CFDA 10.352). The award supports a two-year project period concluding August 25, 2027, and funds value-added agricultural product processing and marketing development activities at the awardee's operation in Washington.

Under the VAPG program, this award provides operational and developmental funding to enable the awardee to transform raw agricultural commodities into higher-value processed products and establish or expand associated marketing channels. The funding may be applied toward feasibility studies, business plan development, and day-to-day operating expenses directly related to processing and marketing value-added agricultural products. Per program guidelines, the funds cannot be used for agricultural production, construction, real property acquisition, or fixed equipment and vehicle purchases, ensuring resources are directed exclusively toward market development and operational sustainability of the value-added venture.