TOPEKA, Kan., Sept. 29, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that the USDA is investing $411,412 to help four agricultural producers develop new products and expand their business lines.
“Farmers and ranchers are creative people who, with a little help, can put that creativity to work and improve the bottom line for their operations,” Hinrichsen said. “Through the Value-Added Producer Grant program, Rural Development fosters growth and expansion leading to increased income for ag producers. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Kansas in building stronger and healthier communities, because when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.”
Today’s funding is provided through USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. VAPG grants may be used for planning activities or working capital expenses related to producing or marketing a value-added product including feasibility studies, business plans, processing of the value-added product, logo and website development and marketing and distribution. Independent agricultural producers, farmer or rancher cooperatives, producer-controlled entities and agricultural producer groups are eligible to apply. Grants are awarded through a national competition—each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Grants.gov.
In Kansas, four agricultural producers have been selected to receive a total of $411,412:
- Edgerton – White Tail Run Winery, LLC will receive a $24,323 grant to provide working capital to begin production of a new sparkling wine. Project funds will also help with marketing and distribution of the new project to customers.
- Olathe – KC Pumpkin Patch, LLC will receive a $250,000 grant to provide working capital to expand production, distribution and marketing of the company's "Vine" coolers. KC Pumpkin Patch started production of the "Vine" cooler in 2018. This project will allow the business to enter into a contract with Kaufmann Stadium to be sold at Kansas City Royals games. This project will also help the business increase marketing through Standard Beverage and Central States Distribution.
- Valley Center – Elderslie, LLC will receive a $98,989 grant to provide working capital to expand production of existing products. Elderslie LLC produces cheese and gelato. This project will help create new jobs, expand product marketing and provide insurance.
- Westmoreland – A $38,100 grant will provide working capital for Roy Garrett to start a wine production company. Garrett has an existing vineyard and has degrees in enology and viticulture from Highland Community College. Project funds will be used to rent a space at the Highland Community College winery business incubator and tasting room, and provide project supplies, packaging and marketing.
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.
Contact USDA Rural Development
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/ks, or by calling (785) 271-2700
.
USDA Rural Development has four offices across the state to serve the residents living in rural Kansas. Office locations include a state office in Topeka, along with local offices in Iola, Newton and Hays.
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