VAPG Training Course
Event Details
Date
February 3, 2021
February 17, 2021
March 3, 2021
Time
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location
Zoom
Cost
Free Registration : Free
Host
Central New York Dairy and Field CropsWednesday, February 3rd from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - What is VAPG?
Presenters: Myron and Nicole
Description: Have you ever thought about applying for a Value Added Producer Grant through the USDA? Did you know that you could get up to $75,000 to pay for planning costs or up to $250,000 in capital costs associated with expanding value added products on your farm? This session will explain the basics of what the Value Added Producer Grant is, how it works, and what types of information you will need to fill out the extensive application form.
Wednesday, February 17th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - How do I apply for VAPG?
Presenters: Helen, Bonnie, Marty
Description: Now you have decided to apply for a Value Added Producer Grant. How do you fill out the application? How do you make your application as appealing as possible to the person who will review it? This session will outline the process of writing and submitting the Value Added Producer Grant. Our team of experts will walk through the application and make suggestions on how to make your application as strong as possible.
Wednesday, March 3rd from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - How are VAPG applications selected for funding?
Presenters: Liz
Description: Your application is ready but you want to be sure that you have included all the right information. What is that information? What will the person that is reviewing your grant application be looking for and how is that application scored? This session will be led by someone who has reviewed VAPG applications and can give some insight on what types of applications get funded. We will also discuss what the funding process looks like.
Dairy
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Forages
Grains
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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.