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Valued-added grants bolster cooperative, dairy farmers' ideas
Missouri
A new-generation cooperative and a group of dairy farmers were recently awarded $470,000 in grants to foster the development of new products and markets for agriculturally based products.
Western Missouri Natural Dairy Producers was awarded $50,000 to develop dairy products from pasture based, natural milk. They are looking to process artisan cheeses, specialty yogurts, boutique ice creams and high protein/low carbohydrate energy drinks.
"This grant is a boon for rural communities and independent producers looking to add value to their products," said Charles Fullerton, who is helping to organize the Western Missouri Natural Dairy Producers. "Our products are all-natural so it's a win-win situation for small dairyman and health conscious consumers."
Ozark Mountain Pork Cooperative was awarded $420,000 to allow their pork processing facility in Mountain View to expand into the all-natural pork market.
"This grant not only helps the small family farmers who own the co-op, it helps create permanent jobs in the community," said Danny Lewis, vice president of Ozark Mountain Pork Cooperative.
Technical assistance for these projects is being provided by the Family Farm Opportunity Center, the cooperative development branch of Missouri Farmers Union. Missouri Farmers Union's mission is to protect and enhance the economic interests and way of life of family farmers and ranchers and the rural communities they represent. For more information or to join, go to www.missourifarmersunion.org.
Date: 1/15/04
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