# USDA Awards $26M Value-Added Agriculture Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the award of over **$26 million** in Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG) on September 18, 2026, supporting 194 agricultural projects nationwide, including 80 focused on beef production. These grants aim to assist producers in developing value-added products, enhancing marketing strategies, and increasing revenue opportunities, thereby fostering economic resilience in rural communities. Key recipients include entities such as Light Hill Meats, Family Farm Direct LLC, and Blair Carney Farms LLC.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the USDA's continued investment in rural economic development through value-added agriculture, signaling opportunities for contractors and service providers specializing in agricultural product development, marketing, and rural business support.
- The grants emphasize reducing reliance on intermediaries, encouraging producers to create homegrown products, which may increase demand for consulting, processing, and distribution services.
- Organizations serving rural agricultural markets can leverage this funding trend to align proposals with USDA priorities around economic resilience and value addition.
- Geographic focus includes states like Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Iowa, indicating regional opportunities for localized partnerships and service delivery.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- USDA Rural Development

### Vendors
- Light Hill Meats (grant recipient)
- Family Farm Direct LLC (grant recipient)
- Blair Carney Farms LLC (grant recipient)

### Key Quotes
> By supporting our ranchers and agricultural producers as they develop new products and increase the value of what they grow and raise, we’re helping to create new revenue opportunities to grow the herd and create long-term economic resilience in rural communities across this nation.
> — Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

> This program helps our producers eliminate the middleman, create homegrown products from the crops and animals they grow, and put more money in their pockets and their local communities. It’s a win all around and we’re glad to be a part of it.
> — Glen Smith, Under Secretary for Rural Development

### Sources
- [USDA Invests in America’s Beef and Ag Producers with Funding for Value-Added Agriculture | USDA](https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/09/18/usda-invests-americas-beef-and-ag-producers-funding-value-added-agriculture) - USDA