Investment will Help Richland County Farmer Cover Working Capital Expenses
Columbia, S.C., October 13, 2020 – The Trump Administration, along with Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for South Carolina Debbie Turbeville, today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $250,000 to aid Manchester Farms, an Ag Producer located in Hopkins, S.C., cover working capital expenses associated with processing quail eggs into “pickled quail eggs” as well as marketing expenses. USDA is providing the funding through the Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
“This investment will help Manchester Farms expand its customer base in new targeted southern states such as Tennessee, North Carolina, Mississippi and South Carolina. In addition, it is expected that this project will create 12 new jobs,” said South Carolina USDA Rural Development State Director Debbie Turbeville. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural South Carolina in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Manchester Farms is a two-time recipient of the USDA VAPG program. “The grant allows us to grow new markets and also new products to increase sales and create more jobs in South Carolina. We’re grateful to be able to participate and really appreciate the support,” said Brittney Miller of Manchester Farms.
Recipients of the VAPG can use funds for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Examples of planning activities include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans for processing and marketing the proposed value-added product. Working capital expenses include processing costs, marketing and advertising expenses, and some inventory and salary expenses.
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/sc.
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