U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Quinton Robinson today announced funding for two South Georgia projects to bring local grown foods to market. Funding comes from the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program, which promotes the development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas.
“The local food movement is becoming an established part of the overall marketplace, and beyond nutritional benefits, local foods can provide increased economic health and strength to participating communities,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Quinton Robinson.
For example, farmers and tradesmen who participate in the Appling County Farmers Market are anticipating a boost in customer traffic with the construction of a sheltered open air market. Travelers on Highway 341 and those local to Baxley, Georgia frequent the Appling County Farmers Market on sunny days; local farmers agree there is a demonstrated demand for fresh local grown fruits and vegetables. They also agreed, however, that sales drop significantly during inclement weather. City Manager Jeff Baxley received overwhelming support to seek USDA assistance to build a sheltered open air market to draw attention, customers and producers to Appling County.
The City of Baxley and Appling County will combine $60,000 of in-kind contributions with $10,000 from Tourism and the $95,000 USDA Rural Business Development Grant to fund the project. Construction should be complete by August 2016.
The market for Georgia grown healthy snack choices such as pomegranates and satsuma mandarins also get a boost from USDA this week. The Seven Rivers Agriculture Initiative will be using a $99,500 Rural Business Development Grant to develop long term sustainability for these emerging crops. The Initiative spans Appling, Bacon and Lowndes Counties, Georgia. Similar to the blueberry market, research from the Georgia Pomegranate Association and the University of Georgia shows potential for South Georgia to grow specialty fruits such as pomegranates and satsuma for cash crops.
More research is needed before these crops can be viable cash crops. The RBDG from USDA Rural Development to Seven Rivers will help with understanding orchard management, pruning, disease control, pest management and which varieties yield the most desirable fruits and fresh arils specific to the Southeastern U.S. The project will plant additional acreage of pomegranates and satsuma mandarins, construct tunnel houses, develop and purchase equipment for an integrated pest management system, and begin an income stream by renting a no till drill to producers. This investment can result in new jobs in nurseries, farm supply stores, and equipment sales while supporting the development of new cash crops for farmers.
The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues. USDA RBDG funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement. A list of Georgia FY2015 RBDG awardees is posted online at http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/ga_fy15RBDGlist.pdf . For program information, contact Business and Cooperatives Programs Specialist Toni Grimes at (706) 552-2561.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.