U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Pennsylvania State Director Bob Morgan today announced the first Value Added Producer Grant program recipient in 2024.
Reskovac Farms LLC in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, received a $3,499 grant to pay for a consultant to develop a feasibility study for processing sunflower seeds into sunflower oil. The farm has been operating in Fayette County since 2005.
“The Value Added Producer Grant program allows farmers and ag producers to expand their markets and increases revenue for years to come,” Morgan said. “I am a huge supporter of this program because I have seen the long-term impact these grants have on Pennsylvania’s agriculture economy.”
In 2023, USDA Rural Development in Pennsylvania awarded six Value Added Producer Grants for $817,463.
Rural Development provides loans, grants and loan guarantees to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas.
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The application window is currently open for the Value Added Producer grant program. You can also watch a video on best practices and how to apply to this program here.
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