The 2005 notice for the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant program (which can be used for wind power business plans and feasibility studies) is expected to appear in the Federal Register this month. I'll most the details when we have them

March 7, 2005: Notice of Solicitation for Applications Announced for 2005
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE May 6, 2005

$14.3 million are available to support value-added agricultural business ventures and renewable energy development. Priority consideration will be given to bio-energy projects. From 2002-2004, the program supported seven wind energy projects. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE May 6, 2005.

Awards will be made to fund one of the following two activities: (1) planning activities needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agricultural product (e.g. conduct a feasibility study, develop a business plan, develop a marketing plan); or (2) acquire working capital to operate a value-added business venture that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets.

Read the full USDA press release
Full details on eligibility and submitting an application are available in the March 7, 2005 Federal Register: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/nofas/2005/vapg030705.pdf.
For more information on past awards, visit www.windustry.org/farmbill/default.htm#Value-Added or www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm.

The Minnesota USDA Rural Development Office sent around an update on what's new and changed in the VAPG program this year. See below.

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The Notice for Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) was published in the Federal Register on Monday, March 7th. Applications are due by May 6th. Find all information you need at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm

Some changes have taken place with the VAPG program this year and we would like to take this opportunity to inform you of some of those. The criteria has been adjusted to target smaller farmers and businesses, penalize applicants receiving subsequent grants, and assist more projects. Grant amounts are now $100,000 for planning grants and $150,000 for working capital grants.

The application process has been revised slightly. Applicants have an opportunity to have a draft application reviewed for completeness by the State Office. Draft applications must be submitted by April 22, 2005 to St. Paul. A specialist will review the application for completeness only and respond by May 2.

New this year is an Application Guide that will walk applicants through all that is required. This Guide can be located at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm. Click on "Guide" at the top of the right column.

Final applications must be submitted to Washington D.C. in either paper or electronic format by 4:00 p.m. EST May 6, 2005. Submission of a draft application is not considered a final application.

Contacts:
Robyn J Holdorf
Business & Cooperative Specialist
USDA - Rural Development
375 Jackson, Ste 410
St. Paul, MN 55101
651-602-7812

Lisa Noty
1408 21st Ave NW, Ste 3
Austin, MN 55912
507-437-8247 x150