Investment will Help Develop New Products and Expand Business Lines
The Trump Administration, along with Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Missouri Jeff Case, today announced that the USDA is investing over $700,000 to help six (6) agricultural producers develop new products and expand their business lines.
“Rural Missouri communities would not exist without agriculture—our towns and cities were built on the back of family farms and small businesses,” said Trump Administration Official State Director Case. “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 Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Missouri in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Today’s funding is being 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, and producer-controlled entities 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 Missouri, six (6) agricultural producers have been selected to receive a total of $712,374:
- Barham Family Farm, L.L.C. has been selected to receive an $81,000 grant. The investment will be used to assist in processing and marketing of pasture-raised beef derived from its diversified family farm in Kearney.
- Black Silo LLC, in Trenton, has been selected to receive a $49,999 grant. The investment will be used to assist in the processing and marketing of bottled wine derived from its vineyard.
- Gardeners’ Orchard & Bakery LLC has been selected to receive a $49,900 grant. The investment will be used to assist in processing and marketing of pasteurized apple cider derived from its apple orchard in Brighton.
- Grison Creamery, LLC, in Ava, has been selected to receive a $48,000 grant. The investment will be used to assist in processing and marketing of cheese derived from its commercial cow dairy farm.
- Ozark Shavings Company LLC has been selected to receive a $233,475 grant. The investment will be used to assist in the processing and marketing of mulch, animal bedding, and soil amendments derived from its farm in Licking.
- Rosier Farms Distilling Co., LLC, in Mound City, has been selected to receive a $250,000 grant. The investment will be used to assist in processing and marketing of distilled spirits derived from its family farm.
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.
