Value-added ventures in ND can get federal help

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring is encouraging North Dakota farmers and ranchers to look into a new federal program that provides help in developing value-added agricultural ventures.

Goehring says the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Value-Added Producer Grant Program provides up to $100,000 for planning and up to $300,000 for working capital.

He says the money can be used for feasibility studies, business plans, marketing and advertising, and even some inventory and salary expenses. Grants cannot be used to buy property or equipment to build facilities.

Goehring says Bowdon Meat Processing and Dakota Pride Cooperative each have gotten nearly $50,000 through the program.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 15.

Tags: news, updates, grants, agribusiness