Learn more about the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant program at this upcoming webinar

Wendy Wieland<wieland5@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - January 28, 2026

See if this grant opportunity is a fit for your value-added farm business.

Have you ever considered grant funding to help enhance your valued-added agriculture business? By attending a webinar hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the MSU Product Center, you will be one step closer to determining if the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Value-Added Producer Grant is the right fit to grow your operation.

During this webinar, staff from USDA Rural Development will outline eligibility requirements, grant priority areas, matching fund requirements and other need-to-know information. Attendees will also learn about the FY 26 application process, which will use a web-based platform.

With a clear and concise plan, many Michigan farmers have been successful in accessing USDA Value Added Producer Grant funds. Even if you plan to apply in 2027, attending this webinar is strongly recommended to prepare a winning application.

This webinar will take place on February 5, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. After this live virtual event, all registrants will receive a link to the recording and other helpful information. The workshop is free, but registration is required; please register by visiting events.anr.msu.edu/2026USDAVAPGWORKSHOP.

MSU Product Center

The MSU Product Center can assist your business in developing a proposal and/or a feasibility study, which may be required for this grant application. The MSU Product Center is an organization that brings together university expertise in the sectors of food, agriculture and natural resources to help entrepreneurs define and launch innovative products. To access their business development assistance, potential clients need to attend an upcoming free workshop: Introductory Seminar to be a Product Center Client.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).