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2009 Value-Added Producer Grants

 

Note:  A notice was published in the July 1, 2009 Federal Register announcing the formal withdrawal of the 2009 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) announcement of May 6, including the July 6 deadline.  The notice is very brief, but explains “The May 6, 2009, Federal Register notice was published in error. The notice will be reissued with clarification of contradictory language, additional guidance on new program components, and extended application deadlines.”   This follows a May 26 notice that the May 6 notice ould be revised.  We will summarize the revised NOSA here as soon as it is available. 

 

The 2009 VAPG Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) was released May 6, 2009.  The program’s goal is to help producer-owned entities market value-added products in order to increase total returns to producers.  The proposed projects must be for either planning projects (e.g., feasibility studies, market studies, business plans) or working capital projects (e.g., operating payroll, advertising, inventory, market introduction costs).  A total of $18.0 million will be made available in 2009 compared to $18.4 million last year.  The maximum award for working capital projects is $300,000; the maximum for planning grants is $100,000.  Applications for "unreserved" funds must be postmarked or electronically filed by July 6, 2009.  Applications for "reserved" funds must be postmarked or electronically filed by June 22, 2009. 

 

Click here for more information and the official rules.

 

2009 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grants

 

USDA has announced the 2009 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).  This is a flow-through program whereby individual states apply for federal funds, which they will use for grants within their states.  Most states are waiting for USDA to release the funds before announcing their state programs, though some have already announced their programs. 

 

States will leeway in designing their programs, however the program's general purpose is to enhance the competitiveness of US grown specialty crops.  Morrison & Company has already prepared concept proposals for 2009 California applicants; California was one of the early states and the proposal period is already closed.  However most states have yet to announce their programs.  Morrison & Company can use its experience to help applicants in any state.

 

Click here for more information and the official rules.

 

2010 USDA Emerging Markets Program

 

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation announced the 2010 Emerging Markets Program (EMP) April 29; applications are due May 29, 2009.  EMP assists in developing, maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products by funding technical assistance activities.  Projects are typically funded for $500,000 or less.  A match is not required but successful applications usually include a match of 35-75 percent.

 

Eligible applicants generally include Federal, State, and local agencies; universities; non-profit trade associations; agricultural cooperatives; state regional trade groups, for-profit business, and consulting organizations.

 

Click here for more information and the official rules.

One of the most important factors when considering grant writers is their track record; Morrison & Company has been blessed with a record of 34 of 37 since its founding in 2002. 

 

Only very large organizations can employ full-time professional grant writers.  As the proposal process can be time consuming and complex, these organizations have a competitive advantage over smaller organizations with fewer resources.  Now you can level the playing field. 

 

Morrison & Company concentrates on highly competitive grant programs for private sector companies and other organizations.  Beyond our strong record of success, we help position your project to be eligible for the most funding possible, with as small a cash match as possible.  We can often successfully address rules and other obstacles that initially appear to disqualify a project. 

 

We write grants primarily in a number of areas, with a special focus on food, agriculture and agribusiness, and alternative energy (green energy).

 

We have written grants for several programs, including:

·        Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)

·        Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG)

·        Risk Management Education (RME)

·        Risk Management Small Sessions

·        Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI)

·        Emerging Markets Program

·        California International Market Promotion for Agriculture (CIMPA)

 

 

To improve your odds in an increasingly competitive environment, contact

Morrison & Company.  Let us be the edge you need.

www.morrisonco.net

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