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USDA/RBS RIN: 0570-AA79 Publication ID: Fall 2011 
Title: Value-Added Producer Grant Program 
Abstract: The Agency proposes to modify 7 CFR part 4284, subpart J, to include the definitions for mid-tier value chain and value-added agricultural product to include an agricultural commodity or product that is aggregated and marketed as a locally produced agricultural food product. Additionally, the proposed rule will expand the grant term not to exceed 3 years; implement a simplified application process for project proposals less than $50,000; provide for priority to projects that increase opportunities for beginning farmers or ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and operators of small- and medium sized farms and ranches that are structured as a family farm; and implement a reservation of funds for projects to benefit beginning farmers or ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and mid-tier value chains. The Agency is also proposing to amend 7 CFR part 1951, subpart E, to allow the delegation of the servicing of the program to USDA State Office personnel. An interim rule has been published and the Agency has received, reviewed and is considering all comments from the public. A notice of funding availability (NOFA) was published for FY 2010 and FY 2011 funds. The Agency will publish a NOFA for FY 2012 funds and plans to hold one or more stakeholder meetings during FY 2012 to receive additional input from the public. The agency will administer the program under the interim rule for at least two funding cycles and then review and analyze all public comment, stakeholder input and program data before developing further refinements and publishing a final rule. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951, subpart E    7 CFR 4284, subpart J     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: PL 110-246   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/28/2010  75 FR 29920   
NPRM Comment Period End  06/28/2010    
Interim Final Rule  02/23/2011  76 FR 10090   
Interim Final Rule Effective  03/25/2011    
Interim Final Rule Comment Period End  03/25/2011    
Final Action  04/00/2012    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Andrew Jermolowicz
Assistant Deputy Administrator
Department of Agriculture
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
STOP 3250, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-3250
Phone:202 720-8460
Fax:202 720-4641
Email: andrew.jermolowicz@wdc.usda.gov