03/25/08 Value added grant deadline

The USDA is offering Rural Development Value Added Producer grants this year but March 31st is the deadline for application. Last year Idaho ranked eighth among the states for the number of projects that were funded. The grant coordinator for Idaho Randy Wheatley says the program is aimed at putting more profit into the producer's pocket. WHEATLEY "That margin of spread of profit is becoming harder and harder for our producers and so this program is helping our producers to add value to a product or commodity that they are growing and keep that increased return on the operation." When a producer wants to apply for a grant Wheatley looks at the planning aspects such as feasibility of the project, a business plan going forward and a marketing plan to cap it off. WHEATLEY "So on the planning side it helps them cover all those aspects and then it helps them on the working capital side either to deploy or to strengthen or to continue with whatever they may be doing already in their production." Again the deadline is next Monday, the 31st. You can reach Wheatley in Twin Falls at 734-1324, extension 121. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott