04/27/07 Value added grants

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns says independent agricultural producers can apply for grants to help them enter into value-added activities. Johanns says 19 and a half million dollars could help farmers convert to organic production, process raw commodities into finished product and concert farm crops into renewable energy sources. Also known as Value-Added Producer Grants, they are available to help agriculture producers develop business plans to create bio-based products from agricultural commodities. Awards may be made for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum for a planning grant is one hundred thousand dollars. The maximum grant amount for a working capital grant is $300,000. Applicants must provide matching funds at least equal to the amount of the grant requested. Applicants must be an independent producer, agriculture producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative or majority-controlled producer-based business. Applicants are encouraged to contact one of the USDA offices in Coeur d'Alene, Twin Falls, Blackfoot or Boise to discuss your project and obtain application materials or they can go to the Rural Development website to obtain application materials. The deadline for applications is May 16. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott