Today, in honor of National Ag Day 2023, USDA Rural Development Oregon State Director Margi Hoffmann announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) is awarding 12 Value-Added Producer Grants totaling over $2.1 million to help producer-owned companies across Oregon process and market new products. In addition to helping ag producers access new and better markets, the funding will create 18 new jobs and save six jobs across Polk, Wallowa, Jackson, Deschutes, Multnomah, Lane, and Clackamas counties.
“National Ag Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture and the unwavering commitment of our nation’s agricultural producers,” said Hoffmann. “Through severe droughts and extreme wildfires, Oregon’s farmers, ranchers, orchardists, and fishers put food on our tables, create jobs, and supply our nation. With the support of programs like USDA RD's Value-Added Producer Grants, their innovation and resilience have made Oregon a national leader in sustainable, climate smart agriculture.”
The funds have been made available through USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program. The grants help agricultural producers generate new products, create marketing opportunities and increase their incomes through value-added activities.
The application window for this year’s Value-Added Producer Grants is now open. Recently, USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is making $31 million in grants available to help farmers and ranchers access new and better markets by adding more value to their products. Eligible applicants, including independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures, are encouraged to contact their local USDA Rural Development office and follow USDA Rural Development Oregon on Twitter.
The announced Value-Added Producer Grant awards are:
- Zena Forest, a farm in Rickreall, Oregon, will use a $249,592 grant to expand their marketing and processing of raw logs into wide planked engineered flooring.
- Stangel Livestock, a family farm in Enterprise, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their grass-fed bison meat and finished bison products.
- Scenic Fruit Company, a farm in Gresham, Oregon, will use a $72,000 grant to work with Oregon State University Food Innovation Center on a feasibility study and to market their new produce, a blueberry dessert topping.
- Firebird Farms, a farm in Ashland, Oregon, will use a $234,895 grant to expand their production, capacity, and marketing of Tibetan yak fiber goods including skulls, hides, and down fiber.
- Wild Oasis Bison Ranch, a farm in Eagle Point, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their bison cuts.
- Rainshadow Organics, a farm in Sisters, Oregon, will use a $49,999 grant to expand the marketing and sales of Shrub, a juice drink consisting of excess or imperfect vegetables.
- La Creole Orchards, a farm in Portland, Oregon, will use a $49,999 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their olive oil with assistance from the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center.
- Creamy Cow, a farm in Junction City, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their soft and hard cheeses.
- Lady-Lane Farm, a farm in Mulino, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the sale of their cheese, butter, and ice cream into new markets.
- TMK Creamery, a farm in Canby, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their hard pack ice cream, Swiss cheese, and owner-distilled Cowcohol vodka.
- My Brothers’ Farm, a family-owned and operated farm in Creswell, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to market and expand the sale of their organic hazelnuts.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing, community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care facilities; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. Learn more at www.rd.usda.gov/or.
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