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USDA seeks applications for value added producer grantsColorado USDA Rural Development is still accepting applications for the Value Added Producer Grant Program. Applications are due by the close of business Nov. 30. Grants are available to assist agricultural producers seeking to add value to the commodities they produce. USDA plans to award planning grants of up to $100,000 and working capital grants of up to $300,000 to successful applicants. Nationwide, about $18 million will be awarded in competitive grants. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that use existing agricultural products in non-traditional ways or merge agricultural products with technology in creative ways. Businesses of all sizes may apply, but priority will be given to operators of small and medium-sized family farms--those with average, annual gross sales of less than $700,000. Applicants must provide matching funds equal to the amount of the grant requested. Ten percent of the funding being made available is reserved for beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. An additional 10 percent is reserved for projects involving local and regional supply networks that link independent producers with businesses and cooperatives that market value-added products. Paper and electronic applications for Colorado projects must be submitted to the Lakewood Rural Development State Office, 655 Parfet Street, Room E-100, Lakewood, CO 80215. USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure.
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