Agricultural News
USDA Value-Added Producer Grants Applications are Now Available
Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:49:14 CDT
The deadline by which to submit applications for this year's round of Value-Added Producer Grants is August 29.
The program is designed to help agricultural producers add value to their raw commodity prior to sale. This can include the development of marketing strategies or the development of business plans for the viable production of products from agricultural commodities.
Applicants may apply for either a Planning Grant of up to $100,000 or a Working Capital Grant of up to $300,000.
"Value-added agricultural not only improves margins for producers, but allows a greater amount of wealth creation to be retained in rural areas," said Ryan McMullen, State Director for USDA Rural Development. "Agriculture is the economic backbone of most rural communities. Value-added ventures should be a critical part of a rural community's job creation strategy."
Eligible applicants are independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Grants will be awarded to applicants proposing economically viable and sustainable projects directly related to the processing and/or marketing of value-added products.
Jill Stichler, of Redland Juice Company in Slaughterville, Okla., is one such applicant. She applied and received a Working Capital grant in 2007. The company uses grapes from their vineyard to produce grape juice rather than wine. Stichler said the grant helped improve the existing refrigeration system and allowed the company to expand its markets.
"Our grant allowed us to start selling juices in states other than Oklahoma," Stichler said. "It helped us tremendously."
Paper applications are due postmarked and mailed or sent overnight by Aug. 29. Electronic applications must be received by midnight Eastern Time no later than Aug. 29. The anticipated award date for selected applicants is Nov. 30.
Interested applicants seeking additional information and/or assistance can contact Tom Lucas, at USDA Rural Development at tom.lucas@ok.usda.gov or (580) 256-3375 ext. 5.
To obtain more information online, as well as electronic applications, click here.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
