MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Trump Administration recently announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $1.72 million in grant funding to farmers and producers in Vermont, and $500,000 to those in New Hampshire, under the Value Added Producers Grant program (VAPG). Funds will be used to help agricultural producers in rural communities develop and market their products, and widen their areas of distribution.
USDA Rural Development State Director Anthony Linardos was pleased to make the recent announcement. “Agricultural producers in Vermont and New Hampshire work hard to stay competitive and profitable, and these investments will help them take the next step in their growth,” he said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, the USDA is focused on helping small businesses succeed, and these grants underscore their dedication to our rural communities.” Positively impacted businesses include:
- Runamok Maple in Fairfax, VT, awarded $248,063 to expand processing and diversify product packaging for its range of maple products;
- Echo Farm in Hinsdale, NH, recipient of a $250,000 grant to fund the market expansion of its all-natural farmstead pudding;
- 5 Generations Creamery Farmstead in West Glover, VT, which will use a $250,000 grant to increase production and distribution of its farmstead cheese;
- Flag Hill Winery & Vineyard in Lee, NH, beneficiary of a $250,000 grant to upgrade processing and develop new markets for its wine products; and
- Agricola Meats in Panton, VT, which received $204,098 to increase sales of its farm-produced, cured salami.
The $2.22 million in total funding will help Vermont and New Hampshire agricultural producers expand activities related to the processing, distribution and marketing of new and established products. The USDA VAPG program targets income growth and increased brand exposure for grant recipients across the country. The USDA awarded over $57 million to 347 rural U.S. producers through the program in 2020.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
–USDA Rural Development
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