Investments will Help 22 South Carolina Ag Producers Enter Into Value-Added Activities Related to the Processing and Marketing of New Products
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 USDA is investing $4.1 million in Value Added Producer Projects throughout South Carolina. USDA is providing the funding through the Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
“This investment will help South Carolina Ag Producers enter into Value-Added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. In addition, it is expected that these projects will create many new jobs,” said 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 that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Background:
USDA is funding 22 South Carolina projects through the VAPG program. 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.
Here are examples of projects announced in South Carolina today:
• In Pickens County, Briar Hill Farm LLC received $49,996 to increase sales and marketing of the organic flowers in the Upstate Region of South Carolina. Specifically, grant funds will be used to offset cost of labor, operational supplies, delivery and market promotion of organic flowers. It is expected that this project will save one job, create three part time jobs and increase customer base.
• Keegan-Filion LLC, located in Orangeburg County, will use $250,000 to Rural Development funds will be used to increase marketing and sales of the locally raised, pastured grazed pork products. The goal of this project is to include selling products to restaurants in the Midland region of S.C., Charlotte, N.C. and Savannah, GA. specifically, grant funds will aid to offset costs of labor, delivery, marketing and supplies. It is expected that this project will create one and a half new jobs and save one job.
• Wild Hope Farm LLC, located in Chester County, will use $250,000 to This Rural Development investment will be used to increase processing and packaging to meet the demand for the organic vegetables as well as to implement the marketing plan. The grant funds will aid in making this farm more profitable while allowing them to continue providing fresh, organic produce to local communities. It is expected that this project will create four new jobs and expand customers base.
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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