When Ralston Family Farms in Atkins, Arkansas, expanded their rice product line to include rice grits in 2021, USDA Rural Development - Arkansas was there to help with their Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) application.
The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enhance existing products to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.
The Ralston family knows rice and has been farming for over ten generations. From harvest to package, the family farm’s products are rooted in rural Pope County, but the demand for them reaches far beyond the boundaries of the natural state.
Thanks to their grant, Ralston Farms was able to market and deliver their rice grits nationwide.
Rice grits, often known as rice semolina or rice meal, are a versatile and delicious grain product that is a staple in many cuisines around the world. They are made by grinding rice into granules, resulting in a texture that is similar to traditional corn grits.
“Many people are allergic or sensitive to corn products and we saw an opportunity to serve those customers with a rice-based alternative. Rice is allergen-free and our new product allows those with corn sensitivities an opportunity to enjoy grits again,” said Jennifer Bruehwiler, Ralston Family Farms Director of Sales.
Bruehwiler said because many people may not be aware of rice grits, marketing and outreach were key in educating consumers about how to use the new product and where to find it.
“It’s been well-received, but because it’s such a niche product, it required some customer education. Our VAPG was instrumental in supporting marketing the new Ralston Family Farms Rice Grits product line and streamlining the accompanying packaging and logistics involved in hitting the market,” said Bruehwiler. “[The grant] also helped create new jobs, ensuring that we thrive with a value-added product and offer vital economic support to the surrounding rural area.”
The grant created two full-time jobs and one part-time job for the small family farm.
Bruehwiler said the USDA Rural Development Arkansas Business & Industry Team were critical partners in the success of the product launch.
“[The team] provided clear instructions and were always available for questions and concerns as we navigated our way [throughout the process],” she said. “The opportunities are ripe for growth, especially in collaboration with the USDA RD-Arkansas team, and we hope to pay it forward by sharing our positive experience with the agricultural community.”
Bruehwiler offers advice to other producers wanting to take advantage of the program.
“Do your homework; understand your market and how your product will stand out; utilize resources and tools that make the application process most impactful; and most importantly, show the compelling need and potential impact of what you’re proposing,” she said.
State Director Jill Floyd said partnering with rural farms and business fuels the economic engine of rural Arkansas.
“The VAPG program is a tremendously valuable tool in the Rural Development tool belt. It allows us to provide the financial support and expertise family farms, such as Ralston, need to expand into new and better markets,” Floyd said.
For more information on the VAPG Program, visit https://bit.ly/3WO5EYl.
|
