Extension Communications 3614 Administrative Services Building Ames, Iowa 50011-3614 (515) 294-9915

10/28/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Darren Jarboe, Iowa Grain Quality Initiative, (515) 294-3137, jarboe@iastate.edu
Roger Ginder, Ag Economics, (515) 294-6260, ginder@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033, jmcguire@iastate.edu

Alliance Organized to Support Value-Added Business

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University has been awarded a grant from USDA Rural Development to organize a cooperative business development center, one of 21 awarded nationwide. The Iowa Alliance for Cooperative Business Development will combine outreach and research programs that encourage rural economic development.

"The Alliance will develop and support new and existing producer-owned cooperative businesses. It is hoped that such enterprises will bring jobs to rural communities, provide markets for agricultural commodities and create profits that remain in rural Iowa communities," said Roger Ginder, professor of economics and Alliance director.

The Alliance's four primary objectives are:

• Work in biodiesel products that will enhance the ability of producer businesses to understand and evaluate the potential risks and rewards of biodiesel opportunities.
• Investigate the potential for cooperative farming arrangements.
• Assist rural Iowans with development of producer groups, feasibility studies, marketing studies and business plans for starting value-added agricultural businesses.
• Develop and deliver strategic and financial management training to new and existing agricultural business board members.

The Alliance is headquartered in the Economics Department at ISU.

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