(Editor’s note: Letitia Nichols serves as deputy state director for USDA Rural Development covering Maryland and Delaware.)
Representatives from USDA Rural Development recently took part in the 25th annual MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Regional Conference, demonstrating the agency’s dedication to assisting farming operations throughout the Delmarva Peninsula and broader Mid-Atlantic area.
The gathering united female farmers, livestock producers, agricultural business owners and farm service providers for comprehensive workshops centered on farming practices.
Taking part in this conference allowed our Rural Development staff to directly hear about the obstacles and requirements facing women in agricultural production within our area.
Conference attendees listened to Oksana Bocharova, who successfully received funding through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.
Agricultural producers throughout the Delmarva area can apply for federal grants designed to boost farm revenues and create new market access.
USDA Rural Development continues to accept submissions for its VAPG initiative. Officials have pushed back the submission deadline to 1 p.m. on April 22.
The VAPG initiative stands as one of USDA Rural Development’s most sought-after resources for assisting farmers, livestock producers, and agricultural enterprises in creating innovative products, broadening marketing reach, and boosting producer earnings.
This program directly addresses the requirements of numerous area agricultural producers dealing with narrow profit margins and changing market conditions.
The VAPG initiative provides funding for two main project categories:
• Planning grants: Financial support for feasibility assessments, business planning, and market analysis for potential projects; and
• Working capital grants: Resources to establish or grow processing, marketing, or distribution operations for value-added agricultural products.
For 2026, planning grant awards max out at $50,000 while working capital grants reach up to $200,000.
Every grant demands a 1:1 matching contribution, which can consist of cash and qualifying in-kind support.
USDA mandates that all submissions must be filed electronically via their online application system.
The online system features a comprehensive user manual and detailed guidance to assist applicants through the submission process.
Those interested should start their preparation well in advance.
Due to the program’s competitive nature and complexity, many agricultural producers collaborate with professional grant writers, cooperative extension personnel, or regional development groups to improve their application quality.
For additional details, reach out to your state’s business programs director or check https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants.
Lisa Fitzgerald serves as the business programs director for Delaware and Maryland, and can be contacted at [email protected] or 302-857-3628.
