ALBUQUERQUE, NM, March 24, 2021 –USDA Rural Development joins the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) to thank all American farmers for all they provide for us.
This week we celebrate National Ag Day to honor farmers and ag producers across America to let them know how much their hard work is appreciated to bring food to our tables as well as other products we use every day.
ACA created the celebration in 1973 to bring attention to agricultural production.
Specifically, ACA believes every American should:
• Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products.
• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industry.
USDA Rural Development supports ag producers through various financing programs such as the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG).
The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added opportunities in the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products to generating new products. For example, value is added to the chili and tomatoes a farmer grows when he or she creates a separate business to make salsa.
A good example of an ag producer taking advantage of the VAPG program is Blue Fly Farms located in Peralta, New Mexico. The farm received a $5,000 dollar grant to expand its production of lavender to create, soaps, lotions, essential oils, and flavored sparkling water from certified organic lavender, rosemary, and mint the farm grows.
The funding has paid for the creation of a business plan and to conduct a comprehensive marketing plan for its lavender based products.
For more information on the Value Added Producer Grant or to apply for the VAPG here in New Mexico contact:
Ray Melton, Rural Business Program Director, 575-622-8745 Ext. 3323
Or Kathy Barrett, VAPG Coordinator, 575-622-8745 Ext. 4.
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