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Value-Added Cost Share
N.C. Value-Added Cost Share Program - Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q. Where do I find information about NCVACS?
A. Visit http://www.ncmarketready.org and click on "Value-Added Cost Share Program."
Q. What is the difference between NCVACS and the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)?
A. NCVACS is a program funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission that is specific to North Carolina producers. NCVACS is a cost share program designed to complement the VAPG by offsetting the expenses associated with applying for a VAPG such as professional grant writing and feasibility assessment.
The VAPG is a program administered by the USDA that helps independent producers of agricultural commodities, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures develop strategies to create marketing opportunities.
Q. What does NCVACS fund?
A. In the fall of 2009 and the summer of 2010, NCVACS provided up to $3,500 for a professional grant writer to prepare a Planning VAPG or Working Capital VAPG, up to $20,000 for a professional feasibility assessment to be developed by an approved third party, and up to $10,000 for USDA matching funds assistance. Due to changes in the USDA program and available funding for additional cost share applicants, an open cycle has been added to the NCVACS program for the Grant Writing and Feasibility Cost Share. Eligible producers are encouraged to apply at any time. Interested parties should first contact Brittany Whitmire at brittany_whitmire@ncsu.edu or 919-830-9557 to verify eligibility and funding availability.
NCVACS will offer equipment cost share spring of 2010 and 2011 to supplement equipment costs associated with successful VAPG awards. Funding from VAPG awards cannot be used for equipment, except for office supplies; NCVACS Equipment Cost Share is designed to bridge that gap. Visit http://www.ncmarketready.org for more information on equipment cost share.
Eligibility
Q. If I am not eligible for the VAPG, can I still apply for NCVACS funding?
A. No. In order to receive funding from NCVACS, you must be eligible for the VAPG and be a permanent resident of North Carolina. To determine whether you and your enterprise are eligible for the VAPG, take the quiz at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vapgea.htm.
If you still have questions about your eligibility for the VAPG, contact Neal Sherrod, USDA business program specialist, at 919-873-2043 or neal.sherrod@nc.usda.gov.
Q. What matching funds are required for NCVACS?
A. NCVACS provides approximately 50 percent of the estimated costs for professional VAPG preparation ($3,500) and feasibility assessment ($20,000). Recipients are responsible for the balance due to the professional beyond the cost share amount.
Recipients must also expend some of their matching funds prior to release of the cost share funding. For VAPG grant writing, recipients must spend $1,000 in matching funds prior to cost share funding; for feasibility assessment, recipients must spend $5,000 in matching funds prior to cost share funding.
Application
Q. When are applications due in 2010-2011?
A. Cost share applications for 1) VAPG Grant Writing Assistance, 2) Enterprise Feasibility Assessment and 3) USDA Matching Funds Assistance are accepted at any time as part of an “open” cycle.
A second cost share cycle will be announced for Equipment in January 2011. Refer to the NCVACS Timeline for deadlines associated with the Equipment cycle.
Q. Can I submit my application electronically?
A. No. You may fill out the first page of the application electronically prior to printing the NCVACS Application and Checklist. Signatures are required for Sections 3 and 4 of the NCVACS application.
The application packet, including all supporting documents and required duplicates should be mailed to NCSU Value-Added Cost Share Program, N.C. Research Campus, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081.Reporting documents for cost share recipients can be submitted electronically or by mail.
Q. Can I apply for more than one cost share purpose per cycle?
A. Yes. All applicants may apply for both VAPG Grant Writing Cost Share purposes and the USDA Matching Funds Assistance in a single cycle. Applicants for the Working Capital VAPG may also apply for the Agricultural Enterprise Feasibility Assessment Cost Share in a single cycle. However, both cost share applications must be for the same enterprise/venture. Cost share recipients may apply for cost share funding for a different value-added enterprise in other cost share funding cycles.
For more information on the N.C. Value-Added Cost Share Program, visit http://www.ncmarketready.org or contact Brittany Whitmire at 919-830-9557 or brittany_whitmire@ncsu.edu.
Cooperative Extension Directory
Cooperative Extension Offices are located in every county.
Contact Information
NCVACS Questions:Brittany Whitmire
NCVACS Program Coordinator
919-830-9557
VAPG Questions:
Neal Sherrod
USDA Business Programs Specialist
919-873-2043
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