Value-Added Grants Available

Dover, DE February 4, 2008 – USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for 2008 Value-Added Producer Grants.  A total of $18.4 million is available to agricultural producers, producer groups and farmer cooperatives.  Funds can be used for determining the viability of a potential value-added venture or for working capital.  A maximum of $100,000 is available per planning grant, $300,000 is the maximum per working capital.

            Last year, 162 recipients from 40 states received $22.7 million to pursue innovative farm projects.

            Application deadline is March 31, 2008.  Call the USDA Rural Development State Office for Delaware and Maryland at (302) 857-3625 for assistance, or visit our website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm for more information.  TTY users should call (302) 857-3585.

                                                                
        USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.  Last year, the agency returned more than $139 million to rural Delaware and rural Maryland.  They have a variety of loan, grant and loan guarantee programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects.