Persistent poverty agricultural product market development grants

Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Hacienda Lelolai LLC received a $250,000 Project Grant from Rural Business Cooperative Services under the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program (CFDA 10.352) on September 19, 2025. This award supports the development and market expansion of value-added agricultural products through either planning activities or working capital funding. The grant will fund feasibility studies, business plan development, and/or operational expenses associated with processing and marketing bio-based, value-added agricultural products, with a completion deadline of September 19, 2027.

The VAPG program provides competitive funding to agricultural producers and producer-based businesses to help them enter value-added processing and marketing activities that increase producer income and create new market opportunities. This particular award falls under the persistent poverty agricultural product market development category and represents the maximum award amount available under the program. Funds cannot be used for agricultural production, real property acquisition, or fixed equipment and vehicle purchases, ensuring resources are directed toward feasibility assessment and operational activities that validate and support the economic viability of value-added ventures.