Development Grants for Rural Economy Announced
Grants are part of Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative.
Compiled by staff
Published: Sep 17, 2009
Deputy Ag Secretary Kathleen Merrigan says that 28 organizations in 21 states have been selected to receive $4.8 million in grants to spur economic development and create jobs in rural communities. The funds may be used for technical assistance, research and informational materials to help rural residents form cooperative businesses or improve the operations of existing cooperatives. These grants are part of USDA Rural Development's annual budget.
The announcement comes as part of the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, a USDA-wide collaboration designed to connect people more closely with the farmers who supply their food and increase the production, marketing and consumption of fresh, nutritious food that is grown locally in a sustainable manner.
A few examples of the grants include Ohio State University's Research Foundation receiving a $200,000 grant to provide technical assistance to a statewide farmers' market management network cooperative, and a newly formed purchasing cooperative for businesses in Appalachia. Also the Value-Added Agriculture Development Center in Pierre, South Dakota will receive a $200,000 grant. The Center will help local growers educate the public, lenders and producers about the benefits of value-added agriculture.
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