Who we are
Wert-Berater, Inc. has prepared independent feasibility studies for lenders, certified development companies, and federal agencies since 1998 — more than four thousand engagements representing $40.2 billion in evaluated project value across all fifty states and international assignments. Our fiduciary duty runs to the lender and the agency, never to the sponsor’s optimism: fees are fixed, quoted up front, never contingent on findings, and a determination is never changed under pressure.
What we do
VAPG feasibility studies serve a precise regulatory purpose: demonstrating to USDA Rural Development that the producer's value-added venture — processing, branding, direct marketing — has genuine market demand, operational viability at the proposed scale, and a quantified benefit accruing to the producer. The study is built to the program's evidentiary structure under RD Instruction 5001, because applications are scored on the quality of exactly this documentation.
How we do it
The methodology establishes market demand through independent research, confirms operational feasibility of the processing activity, and quantifies producer benefit in the form the program requires, with every claim sourced. The firm has prepared VAPG-compliant studies across commodity and specialty programs, and the format is maintained to current program guidance.
How we can help you
Agricultural engagements are the heart of the USDA practice: B&I for rural enterprises, Value-Added Producer Grant studies to RD Instruction 5001 where producers integrate forward, and Farm Credit and conventional structures otherwise; job creation, producer benefit, and rural economic impact are documented to the agency standard. The firm's USDA practice spans B&I, Community Facilities, REAP, and VAPG; its agricultural processing record includes winery, food-system, and cold-chain engagements nationwide.
How to engage us
Standard delivery is 10 to 15 business days from complete project data. Rush delivery for deals already in underwriting is accepted case by case for an additional fixed fee, quoted up front and committed in writing. Engagements are typically initiated by the borrower, with lender or CDC confirmation obtained before work begins — institutions differ, so confirm the procedure with your lending contact.