LINCOLN, NEB. (September 6, 2007)—October 19 is the deadline for submitting applications for the next round of grants available through the Agricultural Innovation and Value Added Agriculture Act (VAA). There is $850,000 in available funding for this round, with a maximum grant request of $75,000. The grants are designed to support collaborative development among farmers and ranchers; the start-up and growth of value-added agricultural enterprises; and growth of rural communities and regions.

Eligible applicants include communities, counties, agencies, educational institutions, economic development providers, nonprofit organizations, agricultural cooperatives, associations, and marketing associations or entities, resource conservation organizations, development districts, and farming or ranching operations collaborating with one another, any of the above entities, or for-profit businesses. The applicants also must provide a cash and/or in-kind 25 percent match. Projects must be completed within one year of grant announcements. 

Eligible projects are those that address one of the following:

• community and multi-community initiatives
• creation, retention, or transfer of value-added agricultural business initiatives in rural communities
• procurement of start-up or working capital, or other capital expenses needed for project development
• community-based, and farmer- or rancher-owned value-added initiatives
• market development
• development of cooperatives
• education or training
• research
• non-administrative business planning assistance, feasibility and market studies, capitalization plans and technical assistance
• other activities deemed necessary to fulfill the act’s purpose.

All applications must be received at either the Nebraska Department of Economic Development office in Lincoln, or the Nebraska Rural Development Commission office in North Platte by Noon, October 19.

Complete guidelines and an application form can be found online at: www.ruralnebraska.info