D
E L A W A R E A N D
M A
GRANT
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE
Applications are being accepted for the Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant Program that is designed to help independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures process their raw products into marketable, value-added goods. “This program is designed to help bring new uses to farm products and increase the farm economy,” said Elliott. “The program further supports two of President Bush’s pillar initiatives, economic growth and renewable energy.”
The grant program is authorized under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Ventures in which agricultural producers add value to their products through processing, segregation, or other means are eligible to apply for grants. Priority is given to ventures that create new energy sources. Grants can be awarded for such activities as developing a feasibility study or business plan, or using as working capital while the venture develops cash flow.
Grant funds cannot be used for the development or acquisition of
buildings or other facilities, or to purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment.
The maximum allowable grant amount is $500,000, and grant recipients must
provide matching funds equal to the grant. The
funds are available nationally on a competitive basis.
Application deadline is
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USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410