USDA- Rural Development

Planning Grant funds can only be used to pay a qualified consultant to conduct and develop a feasibility study, business plan, and/or marketing plan directly related to the processing and/or marketing of a value-added agricultural product, including any associated legal costs. The objective of this grant program is to assist viable Independent Producers, Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer and Rancher Cooperatives, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Businesses in starting or expanding value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of Value-Added Agricultural Products. This program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income.