Persistent poverty agricultural product market development grants

Andrea & Lewis LLC received a $125,000 Project Grant award dated September 19, 2025, from the Rural Business Cooperative Services (RBCS) under the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program (CFDA 10.352). The grant supports agricultural product market development activities in Puerto Rico with a completion deadline of September 19, 2027. Under the VAPG program, the awardee will utilize funding to support either planning activities—such as feasibility studies and business plan development to validate economic viability of value-added agricultural ventures—or working capital for day-to-day operational expenses related to processing and marketing value-added agricultural products.

The award is designated specifically for persistent poverty agricultural product market development, aligning with RBCS priorities to help agricultural producers enter value-added processing and marketing activities. Consistent with program guidelines, the grant funds cannot support agricultural production, real property acquisition, construction, or fixed equipment and vehicle purchases. The two-year performance period allows Andrea & Lewis LLC to execute its proposed value-added agricultural initiative while contributing to economic development objectives in the designated service area.