USDA’s Rural Business Cooperative Service recently announced funding available to assist socially-disadvantaged agricultural producers with small acreage. The USDA is requesting proposals from eligible cooperative and associations for these completive grant funds. The maximum award per grant is $200,000.
From their website:
The mission of the Rural Development Business and Cooperative Programs is "to enhance the quality of life for rural Americans by providing leadership in building competitive businesses including sustainable cooperatives that can prosper in the global marketplace."
We meet these goals by:
- investing financial resources and providing technical assistance to businesses and cooperatives located in rural communities;
- establishing strategic alliances and partnerships that leverage public, private, and cooperative resources to create jobs and stimulate rural economic activity.
Applications must be submitted no later than July 27, 2010 to be considered for funding.
For further information visit the program website. Applicants are encouraged to contact their USDA Rural Development State Office well in advance of the deadline to discuss their projects and ask questions related to the application process. California’s office information can be found here.