Ag Enterprise Grants Available

| 9/12/2012

Farmers and ranchers who want to develop new value-added enterprises that use agricultural products may be eligible for financial help from the government.

"USDA`s Value-Added Producer Grant Program provides grants of up to $100,000 for economic planning activities and up to $300,000 for working capital," said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. "Recipients can use the money for feasibility studies, developing business plans for processing costs, marketing and advertising expenses, and some inventory and salary expenses."

Goehring adds that independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives and majority-controlled, producer-based business ventures may be eligible.

Last year Bowdon Meat Processing and Dakota Pride Cooperative, both from North Dakota, each received grants through the program.

More information can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG.html.

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