NEWS RELEASE 1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66604-4040 Voice (785) 271-2701, FAX (785) 271-2708, WEB www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 13, 2004

Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701

USDA Rural Development To Host Value-Added Grant Program Meetings

Topeka, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced today that the Agency will host two informational meetings covering the Agency’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program. The presentations, which will explain the details of this important program, will be held in Dodge City and Manhattan. The workshops will provide information to assist in developing successful applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program which will be available later in this calendar year.

Proposals will be 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 2004 Value-Added Producer Grant Program is 45 days from the announcement of funding.

“USDA Rural Development is committed to assist production agriculture in becoming more profitable through value-added business opportunities. This program can provide greater economic returns for Kansas farmers and livestock producers and stimulate the creation of new jobs, along with enhancing rural economic prosperity and improving quality of life”, commented State Director Banks.

The two USDA Rural Development value-added information meetings will be held:

Dodge City / June 16, 2004: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., High Plains Journal Communication Center,
1500 East Wyatt Earp Blvd.

Manhattan / June 17, 2004: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Riley County Fairgrounds,

Pottorf Hall, Wheat Room, Corner of Avery & Kimball.

For additional information regarding the Value-Added Producer Grant Program, contact USDA Rural Development at 620-784-5431, extension #37, or email the Agency at 2000farmbillRD@ks.usda.gov

For additional meeting information, contact USDA Rural Development at 785-271-2701 or email the Agency at harold.alford@ks.usda.gov

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, the Agency provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America.

USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities

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