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

Harbor Herbalist received a $250,000 Project Grant award on August 28, 2025, under the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program (CFDA 10.352), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Cooperative Services. This award supports the awardee's value-added agricultural product processing and marketing activities through a two-year project period concluding August 28, 2027. Under this competitive grant program, Harbor Herbalist will develop and implement initiatives to transform raw agricultural commodities into higher-value processed goods, with funding directed toward day-to-day operational expenses and market development activities associated with processing and marketing value-added products.

The VAPG program provides eligible agricultural producers, producer groups, cooperatives, and producer-based businesses with competitive funding to support either planning activities (feasibility studies and business plan development) or working capital operations for value-added ventures. Grant funding cannot be applied to agricultural production, construction, real property purchases, or fixed equipment and vehicle acquisitions. Recipients are required to submit semiannual Federal Financial Reports and project performance reports throughout the grant period, with award decisions based on evaluation criteria including the nature of the proposed venture, personnel qualifications, commitments and support, work plan and budget adequacy, and priority considerations.