MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA, Aug. 22, 2014 - TODAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Congressman Bruce Braley will travel to Ely and Marshalltown, Ia. to announce Value-Added Producer Grants for Iowa producers and Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants that will expand healthcare and job opportunities throughout the state. Vilsack and Braley will also discuss the many ways that the Farm Bill and Rural Development programs benefit Iowa`s rural economy.
The Value-Added Producer Grant program was developed to help agricultural producers generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase income. The funds being announced were authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. The 2014 Farm Bill substantially increases funding for this program. The program is an example of how farm bill provisions contribute to continued investment in rural businesses and critical infrastructure, in order to strengthen rural communities and build on rural development initiatives.
Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants provide zero-interest loans and grants to utilities that lend funds to local businesses for projects to create and retain employment in rural areas.
