USDA Seeks Applications to Help Farmers and Ranchers Venture into New and Better Markets

USDA Rural Development sent this bulletin at 01/23/2024 10:36 AM EST

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USDA Rural Development - Together, America Prospers

STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT

USDA Seeks Applications to Help Farmers and Ranchers Venture into New and Better Markets

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets. USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities.

Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.

USDA may award up to $75,000 for planning activities or up to $250,000 for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product.

Planning activities may include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries.

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will advance Biden-Harris Administration priorities to:

Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects; and
Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.

Paper applications must be postmarked and delivered by mail, email or in person to the state office where the project is proposed by close of business on April 16, 2024. Electronic applications will be accepted via Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 11, 2024.

For projects in Colorado, contact Kisha Westcott, Kisha.Westcott@usda.gov, Bill Chester, William.Chester@usda.gov or Robert Mc Elroy, Robert.Mcelroy@usda.gov.

Additional information is available on page 2919 of the Jan. 17 Federal Register.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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Denver Federal Center
Bldg 56, Rm 2300,
PO Box 25426
Denver CO 80225-0426
Ph: (720) 544-2903

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101 S Craft Drive
Alamosa CO 81101
Ph: (719) 589-5661 x. 4
Fax: (844) 206-7030

Cortez Local Office
628 W 5th St
Cortez CO 81321
Ph: (970) 565-9045 x. 4
Fax: (844) 206-7031

Craig Local Office
145 Commerce St
Craig CO 81625
Ph: (970) 824-3476 x. 4
Fax: (844) 206-7032

Delta Area Office
690 Industrial Blvd
Delta CO 81416
Ph: (970) 874-5726 x. 4
Fax: (844) 206-7052

Las Animas Area Office
760 Bent Ave
Las Animas CO 81054
Ph: (719) 456-0120 x. 4
Fax: (844) 206-7053

Wray Area Office
247 N Clay, Suite 2
Wray CO 80758
Ph: (970) 332-3107 x. 4
Fax: (844) 206-7054

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

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