Washington, Oct 24 -
CANNON CONGRATULATES UTAH RECIPIENTS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT VALUE ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS
WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Chris Cannon (R-UT) issued the following statement after the Department of Agriculture announced the awarding of two Value-Added Producer Grants to Utah businesses.
“USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. I congratulate Jamie Gillmor and Ken, Matt and Charlene Palmer for this award and thank them for their hard work and dedication to Utah. Awarding grants for innovative and forward thinking proposals should serve as a model for public-private partnerships and I wish my fellow Utahns success.” Cannon said.
“Utah received funding for two VAPG grants” said Jack Cox, Utah State Director for USDA Rural Development. “Value-Added Producer Grants may be used for planning activities or to provide working capital to market value-added agricultural products and farm-based renewable energy projects. A value-added product is created when a producer takes an agricultural commodity, such as milk or vegetables, and processes or prepares it in a way that increases its value to consumers. Rural Development has committed more than $158 million to value-added agricultural investments since 2001.”
Approximately one-third of the grants, 56, will go to recipients who requested $50,000 or less in federal assistance. For example, in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Kenneth Darrel Palmer, JDP ranch was selected to receive an award of $13,400 to expand sales and profit margins to the ranch through funding a direct marketing of a frozen natural beef project.
In a joint effort, Morgan Valley Lamb Company, Delta, Utah and Morrison Meat Pie Company were selected to receive an award of $225,000 to refine their products in order to increase the value of these products. The company along with participating producers will expand sales and profit margins through funding a value added Aussie and Scottish style meat pie for the ready to eat foods market. “Both Utah projects are fine examples of how USDA Rural Development can work with farmers and ranchers to improve sales and net-profits on the commodities they produce” said Richard Carrig, Business & Cooperatives Program Director.
“This grant will provide a needed kick start to new product introduction that will have a direct economic benefit to the people of rural Utah. This money will be used to launch products, advertise, and manufacture. Utah agribusiness can compete and will succeed in the market place,” said Jamie Gillmor, owner of the Morgan Valley Lamb Company.
