USDA Invests $1.6M in 12 Projects to Boost Rural Oregon Agriculture

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 16, 2026 - USDA Rural Development Oregon State Director Jim Carmack today announced USDA is investing $1,691,178 in 12 projects to support value-add activities for agricultural producers in rural Oregon.

"Our state has a tremendously wide-ranging agricultural yield, and that's due to the dedication of Oregon's producers who are passionate about what they do," said Carmack. "At USDA we're proud to partner with farmers, ranchers, and growers as they innovate and branch out, supporting their industries and communities."

"Value-added work requires planning and ingenuity, and Oregon's producers are up to the task. We are excited to announce this latest group of awards which represent a good variety of Oregon's agricultural landscape, and encourage others to consider applying for this program," said Mandie Cole, Business Programs Director for USDA Rural Development in Oregon.

The awards, made through USDA Rural Development's Value-Added Producer Grant program (VAPG) helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to processing and marketing new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. This program operates on a 100 percent grant match, which encourages recipients to further invest in their planning and working capital needs.

One of the recipients announced today is Carman Ranch Provisions, LLC, in Wallowa County. This fourth-generation cattle ranch in Northeast Oregon will use a $246,921 grant to help produce a seasoned beef strip product and market it through multiple channels.

Another awardee, Applegoat Valley Farm LLC in Jackson County, is receiving $250,000 to market its goat milk chevre cheese. The farm also produces varied agricultural products in addition to goat cheese.

The remaining awardees include:

• Bacus Vineyard Holdings, LLC, in Yamhill County is receiving a $49,635 grant to process and market a new wine.
• Bee Loved Farm LLC in Lane County will use a $39,840 grant to develop a feasibility study and business and marketing plans for developing a new value-added product.
• Big Barn Cidery, LLC, in Josephine County, is awarded a $49,700 grant to support new product development and marketing.
• Low Tide Farms in Columbia County is awarded a $34,489 grant to process and market pork products.
• Oregon Coastal Flowers LLC in Tillamook County is receiving a $250,000 grant as working capital for processing and marketing cut flowers.
• Overstory Farm LLC in Multnomah County is using a $37,440 grant to develop a feasibility study and business and marketing plans for creating a new elderberry product.
• Planet Bugs LLC in Lane County is receiving a $22,153 grant to put toward working capital for marketing and processing mealworms into various products.
• RH Vineyard and Winery LLC in Polk County will use a $250,000 grant to process and market pinot noir, Riesling, pinot gris, and dolcetto grapes for wine in a new market expansion.
• Whistling Duck Farm LLC in Josephine County is receiving a $211,000 grant for processing and marketing value-added products from organic produce.
• Zenith Vineyard, LLC in Polk County will use a $250,000 grant to process and promote its wine from auxerrois, chardonnay, pinot noir, and tempranillo grapes.

The VAPG program is administered locally by USDA Rural Development staff in Oregon. The 2026 application window for this program closes April 15, 2026. If you have questions related to this funding or eligibility, please find contact information online .

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov .

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