Ag funding available through USDA Rural Development grant

Bryan Daniel, USDA Rural Development State Director, announced April 17 in Temple that USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program. Funding in the amount of $19.3 million is available to develop agriculture business ventures.

"The Value-Added Producer Grant program continues to help Texas farmers and agri-related enterprises reach their business development goals," said Daniel.

Grants are available to independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majoritycontrolled producer-based business ventures. Eligible applicants applying under the renewable energy category must include biodiesel, ethanol or wind energy production, or the use of biomass to generate energy. The maximum award for the planning grant is $100,000 and the maximum award for the working capital grant is $300,000.

Applications must be completed and submitted no later than May 16. For more information on the Value-Added Producer Grant Program, contact Billy Curb, Business and Cooperative Specialist at (254)-742-9775.