The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing in a $250,000 grant to assist a local producer expand their product reach throughout the state of West Virginia.
The recipient of the grant is Smoke Camp Crafts, a Lewis County based jam, jellies and teas producer. Smoke Camp Crafts will utilize the grant funds to market and purchase supplies to expand their elderberry jam sales throughout West Virginia and eventually across state lines. This project will also create three jobs.
“Helping local West Virginia producers add value to their products and expand their sales across the state makes a huge impact on not only the local community in Weston but across the entire state and nation through increased economic development,” said Kris Warner, West Virginia State Director, USDA Rural Development. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural West Virginia in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural West Virginia thrives, all of America thrives.”
Unlike other Rural Development programs, the Value-Added Producer Grant Program is a highly competitive and intensive program where applicants are scored against other applicants nationwide instead of statewide. This grant was the only award for West Virginia this year and it received the maximum allowable amount.
Value-Added Producer Grants are available to independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer- or rancher-cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures to assist with processing costs, marketing and advertising expenses and some inventory and salary expenses. For more information about the program, visit https://go.usa.gov/xGsZw.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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