Money for Producers Part IV

Are you an ag producer with a new marketing idea? Are you a farmer with a product and know that with a few tweaks to what you produce you could gain a bunch more customers and profit? Are you seeing ways that your product could fill a niche by changing the delivery? Are you an ag operator who looks at that pile of waste but sees energy written all over it? Well, Uncle Sam says "I believe in you, give it a shot."

The USDA rural business development is encouraging you to put together a proposal and send it off to have your idea tested and reviewed. If the USDA likes what you put together it will match your funds and help you get your idea out of your head and into the real world.

They are offering two types of grants under the Value Added Producer Grant. This is a cost sharing grant that will award up to $100,000 in a planning grant or up to $300,000 in working capital grant money to get you on your way.

The grant is focusing on small to medium family farms. They want to see ag. commodities turned into value added products or renewable energy projects. They are hoping that producers capture or retain more of the inherent value of the products that they produce.

For more information on this grant the official website is www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm


We will have a special workshop on the Value Added Producer Grant for you to learn more about it or ask any questions you might have.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009
10:00 am – Noon
Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service
Extension Auditorium
5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584