USDA Rural Development MT seeks comments on simplified funding processes

Press release

BOZEMAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is inviting Montana farmers, rural entrepreneurs, tribes, and organizations to comment on proposed changes that will make it easier to apply for funding under three vital business programs.

These updates aim to streamline and simplify the application processes for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG), Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC) and Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) programs.

By modernizing scoring criteria, standardizing application periods, and reducing the burden of documentation, USDA is working to support the diverse needs of rural Montana. These changes will help applicants navigate the process, ensuring that more local businesses and producers can access the funding they need to thrive.

Key program highlights:

- Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG): Provides post-harvest grants to help Montana producers with planning and working capital activities related to processing or marketing value-added agricultural products. Historically, USDA has funded over 150 projects annually nationwide, totaling around $30 million. This funding has empowered Montana producers to increase the value of their products, fueling rural economic growth.

- Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC): This program supports local and state governments, Tribes, nonprofits, and commercial organizations in Montana by helping establish centers that offer technical and business development assistance to producers working on value-added agriculture projects.

- Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG): Provides grants to nonprofits and institutions of higher education to assist individuals and businesses in Montana with starting, expanding, or improving rural cooperatives and mutually owned businesses. Cooperative Development Centers play a crucial role in strengthening rural economies across the state.

The changes are set to take effect on November 15, 2024, and public comments must be submitted via Regulations.gov by Oct. 16, 2024.

Montana stakeholders are encouraged to share their input and help shape the future of these important programs. For detailed information on the program updates, please refer to page 75762 of the September 16, 2024, edition of the Federal Register.