The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant funding opportunity, the Maryland Value-Added Producer Matching Grant (MVAPMG), to encourage Maryland’s agricultural producers to engage in value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG). The USDA-VAPG is a highly competitive nationwide grant program with approximately $25 million available for distribution in 2026. The USDA-VAPG requires a matching funds contribution that is at least equal to the grant amount. Applicants to MARBIDCO’s MVAPMG can receive up to 15% of the matching funds required.
The USDA Value-Added Producer Grants program helps farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities. To view the VAPG Grant Application Portal User Guide, click here. Electronic applications will be accepted via the VAPG application portal until 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 15, 2026. Additional information is available on Grants.gov or by contacting the state’s USDA Rural Development office.
Eligible applicants include: an agricultural producer, agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, or majority-controlled producer-based business venture (all defined terms under federal regulations). In addition, applicants must be making a product that is “value-added”. Grant funds can be used for planning (up to $50,000) or working capital expenses (up to $200,000) in accordance with USDA regulations. Planning grant funds can be used to pay a Qualified Consultant to conduct and develop a feasibility study, business plan or marketing plan associated with the value-added agricultural product. Working Capital grant funds can be used to pay eligible operational costs related to the value-added agricultural product.
Applicants seeking to receive MARBIDCO MVAPMG funds must apply to MARBIDCO at least two weeks before the federal deadline. The MARBIDCO MVAPMG electronic application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on April 1, 2026. Applications received in the mail with a March 27, 2026, postmark will also be accepted. Applicants must attach a completed copy of their federal application form as part of the application submission, including all required attachments.
All MVAPMG applicants meeting the MARBIDCO requirements will receive a commitment letter of matching funds to be included with their federal applications. The MVAPMG commitment amount cannot exceed 15% of the required non-federal match, and it may be for a lesser amount depending on the quantity of MVAPMG applications that are received and the pool of available MARBIDCO funds. MVAPMG monetary awards will only be provided to those applicants who are successful in obtaining USDA-VAPG awards.
MVAPMG Conditions
- Maximum Amount of Grant: $7,500 for Planning Grants; $25,000 for Working Capital Grants
- The maximum cumulative amount of grant funding a single applicant may receive from all MARBIDCO Core grant incentive programs is $50,000.
- Disbursement of Funds: A commitment letter will be provided to qualified applicants approximately seven days in advance of the federal deadline. Funds will only be disbursed to applicants who are awarded the 2026 USDA Value-Added Producer Grants
Send Completed Applications to: MARBIDCO Programs, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403. Or send electronically to: brawlings@marbidco.org.
Questions regarding the USDA-VAPG can be addressed to the Maryland/Delaware Office of USDA-Rural Development at 302-857-3629 or visit the USDA’s website for more information. Questions regarding the MARBIDCO matching grant may be addressed to Brittany Rawlings at brawlings@marbidco.org.
Please visit the MARBIDCO website for more information and download the MVAPMG application form: https://www.marbidco.org/maryland-value-added-producer-matching-grant-usda-option.
