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

 

For Immediate Release – September 26, 2003

Contact - Harold Alford  (785) 271-2701

             

 

Value-Added Agriculture Grant Funding

Meetings Held Across Kansas

 

Topeka, KS –  USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced today the completion of five informational meetings covering the Agency’s ‘Value-Added Producer Grant Program’ held across the state this week.  The presentations, attended by over 125 interested Kansans, were held in Dodge City, Hays, McPherson, Iola and Topeka.

 

“USDA Rural Development is strongly committed to assist production agriculture in becoming more profitable through the establishment of new value-added business ventures.  This program can provide the opportunity for greater economic returns for Kansas farmers and livestock producers, resulting in the creation of new jobs and enhancing rural economic prosperity”, commented State Director Banks.

 

USDA Rural Development announced on September 4th the availability of $27.7 million in competitive grant funds to help foster agricultural commodity value-added activities.  Proposals are requested from eligible independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures interested in this program.  The application period for the Agency’s 2003 ‘Value-Added Producer Grant Program’ is from September 4 to October 20, 2003.

 

For additional information regarding the Agency’s ‘Value-Added Producer Grant Program’, contact USDA Rural Development at 620-784-5431, extension #37, or email the Agency at 2002farmbillRD@ks.usda.gov

 

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for rural Americans.  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 in rural America.

 

For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may call the Agency’s state headquarters at 785-271-2702 or log onto the state’s Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

 

 

- end -