Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/14/03
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Mary Holz-Clause, 515-294-648, mclause@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Value-Added Ag Grant Workshop Planned for Feb. 5
Farmers and agribusinesses can learn more about securing grants for value-added agriculture ventures at the Value-Added Ag Grant Workshop, Feb. 5 at the Iowa Farm Bureau building in West Des Moines. Attendees will learn about all facets of the Value-Added Agricultural Development Grant (VADG) program, which was expanded in the 2002 farm bill to include a wider range of applicants and activities.
In addition to independent producers and cooperatives, commodity groups and majority-controlled producer-based groups are now eligible to apply for grants. Several additional kinds of value-added activities also are eligible, including product segregation.
Jeff Jobe, program director, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development division in Iowa, will present an overview of the VADG program including types and conditions of funding. Past grant recipients will share why they decided to seek grants and discuss the pros and cons of using grant funding.
A panel discussion will focus on writing successful grant proposals, explaining areas to emphasize as well as common errors and oversights that can hurt grant applications. Another session will provide examples of how applicants can raise matching funds and in-kind contributions needed for grant projects. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet representatives of organizations that provide professional assistance to value-added operations.
The workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 5. Cost is $20 with registration due by Feb. 3. For more information, call 515-294-0588.
The workshop is sponsored by the Value-Added Ag Support Team, which includes the Iowa Area Development Group, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa Institute of Co-ops, Iowa State University Extension and USDA Rural Development.
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.