USDA Value-Added Producer Grants Support Growth for Two Arizona Agricultural Businesses

(Phoenix, Ariz., October 20, 2026) - Two Arizona agricultural producers are expanding operations, strengthening markets, and planning for long-term growth with support from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.

"Rural Arizona has a lot to offer in terms of agricultural ingenuity, which is something President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins already know," said USDA Rural Development Arizona State Director Lori Urban. "We are excited to invest in these two operations today and watch how they grow and expand to support our state's - and nation's - food supply."

Noel Patterson of Good Food Tucson, LLC, operating as Dos Manos Apiaries in Pima County, received a $200,000 working capital grant to expand production and marketing of raw Sonoran Desert honey. The business, which has 18 years of experience in honey production, will use the grant to grow its retail presence, including new regional grocery and wholesale accounts, and to expand direct-to-consumer and online sales. Funds will also support harvest and processing labor, marketing, advertising, and distribution, enabling increased production volume and creating up to 12 local agricultural jobs. The project aims to generate additional revenue retained by the producer and strengthen regional food systems.

Michaelis Ag Services, LLC, a family-owned livestock operation in Amado, received a $40,080 planning grant to develop long-term business strategies. The operation manages approximately 30 acres and infrastructure for livestock handling, including fencing, pens, corrals and sheds. The farm raises both swine and sheep, with a current flock of breeding ewes and rams, as well as a swine program producing approximately 80 pigs annually. The grant will support business planning focused on selected livestock breeds chosen for quality and performance, including Yorkshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Duroc swine, along with Hampshire-Suffolk cross sheep.

"We are truly thankful to USDA Rural Development for believing in what we're building with Michaelis Provisions and for helping make this next step possible," said Dr. C. Richard McPherson of Michaelis Ag Services. "Building a livestock operation takes years of hard work, sacrifice, and a willingness to keep moving forward, even when the next step seems out of reach. Having the support of an organization that recognizes the value of local agriculture and rural communities means a great deal to us."

The VAPG program, administered by USDA Rural Development, helps agricultural producers generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase income. More information about the program is available online at www.rd.usda.gov/az.

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