NC MarketReady

Value-Added Cost Share

Farmers markets are increasing in number throughout North Carolina, currently surpassing 130 unique markets. Consumers enjoy the opportunity to buy fresh, locally grown products directly from the farmers. Farmers markets support the local economy and encourage healthier meals that feature fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to produce, many markets offer a wide variety of agricultural products including meat, honey, cut flowers, soaps, nursery plants, eggs, artisan cheese, baked goods and more.

Cooperative Extension Agents

Click here for applicant resources

Do you know of a value-added enterprise that might be a good candidate for the VAPG? While the grant application process might seem intimidating, the fall and summer cycles of the NCVACS program is designed to assist producers with the preparation of the VAPG.

Cost share funding can be used to help pay qualified professionals, such as grant writers and feasibility analysts, to make the nationally offered VAPG application more competitive. 

The spring funding cycle is designed to assist producers with equipment purchases that are not funded through the VAPG. Please direct prospective VAPG and NCVACS candidates to the grant materials on this Web site.

Cost Share Introduction

• Webinar: Value-Added Funding Opportunities
• Grant Writing and Feasibility Cost Share
  • Applications for the Grant Writing and Feasibility Cost Share are now being accepted. This is an open cycle, unlike the previous two cycles which utilized deadlines that corresponded with the USDA time table for VAPGs. Due to changes in the USDA program and available funding for additional cost share applicants, eligible producers are encouraged to apply at any time. Contact Brittany Whitmire, program coordinator, to verify eligibility and funding availability for additional inquiries.

  • Step-By-Step Guidance

    1. Identify producers in your area who may qualify for a VAPG.
    2. Familiarize yourself with the NCVACS program which is designed to offset the cost of applying for a VAPG and developing more competitive applications (see Helpful Resources below).
    3. Discuss funding opportunities (NCVACS and VAPG) with producers. Provide them with resources or direct them to the applicant resources on www.ncmarketready.org. Information about NCVACS can be found under “N.C. Value-Added Cost Share” in the left navigation column.
    4. Encourage producers to contact Brittany Whitmire, program coordinator, at Brittany_whitmire@ncsu.edu or 919-830-9557 prior to submitting an application to verify eligibility and funding for the inquiry.

• Equipment Cost Share
  • Newsletter Announcement for Agent Use

Helpful Resources

What is NCVACS?
Successful NCVACS applicants

What is VAPG?
Successful VAPG projects

Cooperative Extension Directory

Cooperative Extension Offices are located in every county.

Find Your Local Agents

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