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 for working capital. Last year, 162 recipients from 40 states received $22.7 million to pursue innovative farm projects.
The application deadline is March 31, 2008. Call the USDA Rural Development State Office for Maryland and Delaware at (302) 857-3625 for assistance. Visit the web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.html for more information.
