Recently U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced $26 million being awarded toward farmers and agricultural producers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Value-Added Producer Grant Program. These funds are allocated with the goal of developing value-added agricultural products, conducting market research, and implementing business and marketing strategies. Secretary Rollins said, “These grants represent another investment in the great American cattle herd as we fortify the American beef industry by supporting our ranchers and agricultural producers as they develop new products and increase the value of what they grow and raise. We’re helping to create new revenue opportunities to grow the herd and create long-term economic resilience in rural communities across this nation.”
Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith also made a statement saying, “This program helps our producers eliminate the middleman, create homegrown products from the crops and animals they grow, and put more money in their pockets in their local communities. It’s a win all around and we’re glad to be part of it.”
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.