PRESS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development
1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66604-4040
VOICE (785) 271-2700, FAX (785) 271-2708, TTY (785) 271-2767, WEB www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

USDA Rural Development Pledges To Support Production Agriculture In Kansas

Garden City, KS. - USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks pledged today during a speech to the American White Wheat Producers Association that USDA Rural Development is committed to help Kansas agriculture expand its commodity based value-added efforts. The Association, organized to explore value-added opportunities in the production of hard white wheat, was holding its 15th annual meeting in Garden City January 30-31.

In remarks to the Association membership, State Director Banks commented, "Rural Development, with its funding opportunities available for individuals, farmer cooperatives and other businesses, can assist production agriculture in Kansas to achieve the need to enhance the value to our commodities. The 2002 Farm Bill has greatly improved those opportunities, especially with the expansion of the Value-Added Grant Program. Kansas received $2.5 million in Value-Added Grant funds during Fiscal Year 2002."

AWWPA President Larry Kepley commented, "Our Association appreciates the support Rural Development has provided to our producers, and to Kansas agriculture. We also appreciate the support of the Kansas congressional delegation for Rural Development's programs."

Rural Development is the economic development agency for USDA, and the lead federal entity for rural development. For additional information, you may log onto the Kansas Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks, or e-mail the Agency at 2002farmbillRD@ks.usda.gov

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