; (C) assistance in product innovation, including the development of value-added products, innovation in byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and product production training, including in new, rare, or innovative techniques; and (D) other assistance, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Grants to plant-based food product businesses (A) In general An initiative shall provide grants on a competitive basis to new and existing producers of plant-based food products developing plant-based food products for the purpose of— (i) modernization, specialization, and transition of equipment and facilities; (ii) value chain and commodity innovation and facility and process updates for plant-based proteins producers; (iii) product development, packaging, and marketing of protein products; and (iv) transitioning from a livestock or dairy-based production to a plant-based food product-based production. (B) Grant amounts Grants provided under this paragraph shall not exceed $500,000, unless a greater amount is approved by the Secretary. (4) Conflict of interest The Secretary shall establish guidelines and procedures to prevent any conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest by an initiative (including a partner of the initiative) with respect to providing funding under paragraph (1) or (3). An initiative shall agree, as a condition on the receipt of funds under this section, to comply with such guidelines and procedures. (5) Priority In providing direct assistance under paragraph (1) and grants under paragraph (3), an initiative shall give priority to— (A) producers of plant-based food products with limited access to other forms of assistance; (B) employee-owned businesses; (C) minority-owned and other businesses owned by members of historically disadvantaged communities; (D) cooperatives; (E) producers of plant-based food products that add substantial value in processing or marketing, such as whole-cut products and specialty products