Persistent poverty agricultural product market development grants

Hidroponicos Del Pais Inc. received a $250,000 Project Grant award on September 30, 2025, through the Rural Business Cooperative Services' Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program (CFDA 10.352) to support persistent poverty agricultural product market development activities in Puerto Rico. The grant will fund activities related to the processing and/or marketing of value-added agricultural products, with a performance period extending through September 30, 2027.

Under the VAPG program, eligible funding supports either planning activities (such as feasibility studies and business plan development) or working capital for day-to-day operational expenses of value-added ventures, though not both concurrently. The award specifically targets agricultural producers and producer-based businesses seeking to generate new products, create marketing opportunities, or increase producer income through value-added processing and marketing activities. Notably, grant funds cannot be used for agricultural production, real property acquisition, or fixed equipment and vehicle purchases. This award aligns with the program's broader mission to help agricultural producers transition into value-added activities, with the grant to be evaluated and managed in accordance with federal regulations and USDA eAuthentication requirements.