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Washington, DC
September 26, 2003
Innovation Centers In 10
States To Assist With Value-Added Agriculture Ventures
Agriculture Secretary Ann M.
Veneman today announced $10 million in grants to establish
agricultural innovation centers in 10 states. The centers are
part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing effort to assist rural
businesses, farmers and ranchers in developing value-added
businesses through greater utilization of production agriculture
commodities.
“The innovation centers will
help farmers, ranchers and rural businesses develop and expand
value-added ventures,” said Veneman. “These investments will
create jobs and improve economic opportunities for rural
families.”
The 2002 Farm Bill created
the program to provide technical and business development
assistance to increase and improve the ability of agricultural
producers to develop markets and processes for value-added
agricultural commodities and products. Funding of individual
recipients will be contingent upon meeting the conditions of the
grant agreement.
Applications were selected
on a competitive basis. Those selected demonstrated a track
record of achieving value-added successes, experienced
personnel, developed a strong work plan, with an emphasis on
utilizing non-Federal funding and a commitment to measuring
performance of the value-added activities.
The
following is a list of the recipients selected for funding:
|
Michigan State University |
$ 999,860 |
| Montana State
University |
$ 1,000,000 |
| Cornell
University, New York |
$ 993,200 |
| Agricultural
Utilization Research Institute, Minnesota |
$ 1,000,000 |
| Iowa Department
of Agriculture and Land Stewardship |
$ 1,000,000 |
| Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania |
$ 996,935 |
| Rutgers, The
State University of New Jersey |
$ 1,000,000 |
| Kansas
Department of Commerce |
$ 1,000,000 |
| Purdue
University, Indiana |
$ 1,000,000 |
| North Dakota
Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives |
$ 1,000,000 |
“These centers will give rural
businesses, farmers and ranchers a new resource to help them
create new markets for their commodities,” said Agricultural
Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr.
Since 2001, the Bush
Administration has invested nearly $100 million toward expanding
value-added ventures, including the establishing in 2001 of a $5
million agricultural marketing resource center. The center
serves as an electronic resource center and clearinghouse for
value-added related information. The center’s website is
http://www.agmrc.org/
USDA Rural Development's
mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support
increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life
of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural
Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance
and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and
critical community and technology infrastructure. Further
information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural
Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. |
