USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode along with Union County Mayor Mike Williams, today announced two Value Added Producer Grants totaling $299,500 to Appalachian Region Wine Producers Association (ARWPA) and The Winery at Seven Springs Farm.
"I applaud the efforts of ARWPA and The Winery at Seven Springs Farm as they continue to explore additional applications for their locally owned businesses,” Goode said. “These projects are a perfect example and testament that illustrates how the VAPG program can assist our local ag-producers.”
Appalachian Region Wine Produces Association located in Maynardville, will use their $250,000 grant to focus on the wine tourism market which is of growing importance to rural wineries. The goal of this project is to expand their customer base and increase the revenue for member wineries.
The Winery at Seven Springs Farm also located in Maynardville, received a grant in the amount of $49,500 which they will use to add a new Sparkling Wine line from the estate grown grapes. The working capital funds will be used to purchase equipment, supplies, labeling and promotional opportunities.
Others participating in the event include: Collier Wine Group Don Collier, Goodwater Winery and Vineyards Gene and Laura Poland, Spout Spring Vineyards and Winery Chuck and Alice Belt, The Winery at Seven Springs James and Donna Riddle, Appalachian Region Wine Producers Association Staff Rebecca Williams, Tamara Bernadot, Shannon Cary, USDA Rural Development Knoxville Area Director Joe Woody, USDA Rural Development Business Specialist/Energy Coordinator Adia Holland and USDA Business Specialist Chuck Morris.
USDA Rural Development is moving investments to rural America with housing, business and infrastructure loans and grants to create jobs and strengthen rural economies with an emphasis to assist areas of persistent poverty. Since 2009, the agency has assisted more than 1.5 million Tennessee families and businesses in 233 communities in all 95 counties of Tennessee, investing more than $7.6 billion through affordable loans, loan guarantees, and grants.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs available in East Tennessee contact the Knoxville Area Office at 865.523.3338 x 4. Visit us online at www.rd.usda.gov/TN.