Counties impacted by funding include Hancock, Louisa and Wright
DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 28, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Agency is investing $678,771 in grants to three rural Iowa projects to expand markets for agricultural producers and strengthen American food and agriculture supply chains. USDA is making the investments through the Value-Added Producer Grants program.
“These grants will help local beef and pork producers create additional revenue streams on their farms, increase meat processing capacity, and create jobs in their communities,” said Director Greenfield. “From day one, President Biden and Vice President Harris have been committed to investing in rural America. This is one example of what Investing in America looks like – partnering with local producers to increase the local food supply chain in Hancock, Louisa and Wright counties.”
Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement detailing $196 million in support for projects in rural America. A full list of projects from that announcement is available online.
Background
The Value-Added Producer Grants Program helps farmers and ranchers venture into new markets by adding value to their bio-based products that will increase their revenue. Funds may be used to process or market these products. For example, an olive farmer may use funding to produce and market olive oil.
USDA Funded Iowa Projects:
-Acorn Bluff Farms Inc. in Louisa County received a $179,961 grant to expand marketing. This project will provide working capital to process Mangalitsa hogs, a heritage breed, into pork cuts and lard.
-Grand View Beef LLC received a $250,000 grant to market products. This project will provide working capital to process grass-fed cattle into USDA certified dry-aged beef. The project will also process and market dry-aged beef and promote economic development in Wright County.
-Purple Ribbon Beef LLC received a $248,810 grant process and market premium beef cuts. This project will provide working capital for the business, a multigenerational, family-owned farm operation specializing in cattle near the rural community of Britt. The project will promote economic development in Hancock County and provide more value-added food product choices to consumers.
Contact USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.3 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Iowa, call (515) 284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, Tribal, and high-poverty areas.
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