U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton today highlighted fiscal year 2026 awards to agricultural producers in Iowa made through the USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program to amplify the program’s reach.
“This funding can help create additional options for farmers and other ag producers as they seek new revenue streams. They can use the grant funds from this program to develop value-added agricultural products, pay processing costs, conduct market research, and implement business and marketing strategies,” said Sexton. “Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA is supporting innovative Iowa producers as they expand markets, strengthen local food accessibility, and help build a more resilient food supply chain.”
USDA Rural Development is investing $26.5 million in 194 agricultural projects across the country, with $11.6 million going to 80 beef producer projects.
In Iowa, the following awards for fiscal year 2026 are:
- O'Connell Organic Acres LLC, a family-owned and operated farm business in Dubuque County, Iowa, received a $199,762 grant to provide working capital. This project will fund hired-labor expenses, marketing, processing, and purchasing supplies and e-commerce software to support meat and poultry production. Farm products include grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and poultry.
Source : usda.gov