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For Immediate Release – September 26, 2003Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701 |
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS $1 MILLION FOR VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE VENTURES IN KANSAS
Topeka – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced this afternoon that the State of Kansas has been selected to receive a $1 million grant through the Agency’s ‘Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC) Grant Program’. The application for the grant was submitted to USDA by the Kansas Department of Commerce. USDA Secretary Ann M. Veneman earlier today announced $10 million in grants to establish agricultural innovation centers located in ten states.
“The agricultural innovation centers are part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing effort to assist rural businesses, along with farmers and ranchers in developing value-added businesses through greater utilization of production agriculture commodities. USDA Rural Development appreciates the excellent partnership between the Agency and the Kansas Department of Commerce in providing economic development opportunities for the State. The strong support of the Kansas Congressional delegation of this program, especially Senator Pat Roberts’ involvement in this application, is also greatly appreciated,” commented Banks.
“The innovation centers will help farmers, ranchers and rural businesses develop and expand value-added ventures,” said Veneman. “These investments will create jobs and improve economic opportunities for rural families.”
The 2002 Farm Bill created the program to provide technical and business development assistance to increase and improve the ability of agricultural producers to develop markets and processes for value-added agricultural commodities and products. Funding of individual recipients will be contingent upon meeting the conditions of the grant agreement. Applications were selected on a competitive basis. Those selected demonstrated a track record of achieving value-added successes, experienced personnel, developed a strong work plan, with an emphasis on utilizing non-Federal funding and a commitment to measuring performance of the value-added activities.
“These centers will give rural businesses, farmers and ranchers a new resource to help them create new markets for their commodities,” said Agricultural Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr.
Since 2001, the Bush Administration has invested nearly $100 million toward expanding value-added ventures, including the establishing in 2001 of a $5 million agricultural marketing resource center. The center serves as an electronic resource center and clearinghouse for value-added related information. The center’s website is http://www.agmrc.org/
The following is a list of the recipients selected for funding: Kansas Department of Commerce ($1,000.000), Michigan State University ($999,860), Montana State University ($1,000,000), Cornell University ($993,200), Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Minnesota ($1,000,000), Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship ($1,000,000), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ($996,935), Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey ($1,000,000), Purdue University ($1,000,000), and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives ($1,000,000)
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, USDA Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on the Agency’s programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting national USDA web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov.
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