PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program is to enable producers of agricultural commodities to participate in the economic returns to be found in the value-added market.
TYPE OF ASSISTANCE: Grants are to be used to develop business plans and develop strategies for creating marketing opportunities. Grants may also be used for feasibility studies to provide capital to establish alliances or business ventures that allow the producers of the value-added agricultural product to better compete in domestic and international markets.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Grants will be awarded to independent producers, eligible agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives or majority controlled producer based business ventures.
CONTACT: Applications are made at the Rural Development State Office.
For assistance, please contact Bruce Pleasant, Business Programs Specialist. Mr. Pleasant can be reached at 919-873-2031 or email: bruce.pleasant@nc.usda.gov
Please send any comments or suggestions to:
Rdwebmaster@usda.gov
Revised on: August 4, 2003