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FEDERAL MONEY AVAILABLE FOR VALUE-ADDED VENTURES
WASHINGTON D.C. – Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has announced the availability of $19.5 million to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. Potential uses include conversion to organic production, processing of raw commodities to a finished product, and the conversion of farm crops to create renewable energy sources.
Value-Added Producer Grants are available to help agriculture producers develop business plans to produce biobased products from agricultural commodities. Awards may be made for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $100,000. The maximum grant amount for a working capital grant is $300,000. Applicants must provide matching funds at least equal to the amount of the grant requested.
Since 2001, USDA has funded $139 million in value-added grants for more than 940 recipients nationwide, including $25 million to develop and market renewable energy projects in 33 states. Renewable energy projects include biodiesel, ethanol or wind energy production, or the use of biomass to generate energy.
The deadline for applications is May 16. An application guide and other materials may be obtained at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm or by contacting the applicant's USDA Rural Development State Office.
West Virginians interested in more information should contact Brandy Brabham, Marketing Specialist, for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture at 304-558-2214 or bbrabham@ag.state.wv.us.
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The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
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