USDA RA Value Added Producer Grant Training
Event Details
Date
April 5, 2023
Time
6pm - 7:30pm
Location
Zoom
Host
CCE Oneida County
Myron Thurston III
315-736-3394
email Myron Thurston III
Elizabeth Higgins of the CCE Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program, Nicole Tommell of the CCE Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team, and Myron Thurston of CCE Oneida County will be providing an info session on the USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant Program.
The Value Added Producer Grant is one of the most commonly funded grants for farmers who are doing any type of value-added production. The grant application and guidelines can be difficult for first-time applicants and the restrictions on the usage of the funding can be confusing. Elizabeth, Nicole, and Myron will provide information from the farmer applicant's perspective and give tips to make sure that the grant reviewers at the USDA will understand the need to fund the proposed project. In addition, attendees will hear from farmers who have been funded by this grant program.
Upcoming Events
Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course
February 2, 2026 : Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course - Ballston Spa
Ballston Spa, NY
February 5, 2026 : Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course - Cobleskill
Cobleskill, NY
February 6, 2026 : Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course - Herkimer
Herkimer, NY
February 9, 2026 : Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course - Morrisville
Morrisville, NY
February 13, 2026 : Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course - Norwich
Norwich , NY
I Thought I Was Covered for That! - Farm Insurance Webinar Series
January 13, 2026
January 20, 2026
January 27, 2026
February 3, 2026
February 10, 2026
Free Webinar Series
Swine Production Zoom Series
February 5, 2026
February 19, 2026
March 5, 2026
March 19, 2026
April 2, 2026
Register for the whole series or for one or several sessions.
Announcements
Statewide Field Crop Pathology Needs Assessment Survey
Your input is wanted for identifying priorities!Sign Up for Our Weekly E-Newsletter
We send out a bi-weekly e-newsletter that has announcements, upcoming programs, and opportunities for you! Registration is quick, easy, and free. Click here to sign up today!Farmers Can Join MeatSuite For Free!
MeatSuite.com is a free resource provided by Cornell University where NY meat farmers can create a farm profile and list their bulk (wholes, halves, quarters) and bundled (i.e. Grilling Bundle) meat products.Why should farmers join?
1. It's free and easy!
2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.
How do I join?
Farmers can visit https://www.meatsuite.com/farmers/ to create a free farm profile. You must list at least one product for your farm's profile to go live. You'll also have access to Cornell's free Meat Price Calculator, a helpful tool for pricing your meat to make a profit.
While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.
If you have any questions as you create your farm profile or products, we're here to help! Please email Matt LeRoux at mnl28@cornell.edu.




