Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $2,996,643 in grant funding to small businesses throughout Virginia. Today’s funding will support operations and marketing at local farms, ranches, wineries and other product-based small businesses that contribute to the agricultural industry in Virginia.
“Agriculture is an economic driver and job creator throughout the Commonwealth. These grants will help Virginia’s small businesses succeed, support local economies, and strengthen Virginia’s largest industry,” Sen. Warner said.
“Today’s funding will bolster local food networks and support small business activity throughout the Commonwealth,” Sen. Kaine said. “By giving these businesses the resources they need to expand operations, hire additional labor and promote their various products, we can help spur local economic activity in Virginia’s largest industry: agriculture.”
The following Virginia businesses will receive funding under USDA’s Value Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG):
- Ag Events, Inc. in Waynesboro, Virginia will receive: $250,000 in funding to buy supplies and labor to produce beer from far-grown hops and market their hops to other craft breweries in Virginia;
- Cornell B. Goldman in Cullen, Virginia will receive: $125,000 in funding to market products to a wider customer base and help transport and sell produce;
- Old House Vineyards in Culpeper, Virginia will receive: $250,000 in funding to support increased marketing activities that will help grow the business;
- Riverstone Farm, LLC. in Floyd, Virginia will receive $250,000 to support operations and expand marketing of locally-grown foods;
- Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery in Goochland, Virginia will receive $250,000 in funding for labor, marketing and packaging expenses;
- The Good Earth Peanut Company, LLC. in Skippers, Virginia will receive $49,999 in funding to support operations and marketing for peanut products;
- Engel Family Farms in Hanover, Virginia will receive $73,400 to support a feasibility study;
- Meadows Pride Farm, LLC. in Monterey, Virginia will receive $49,500 to support operations and expand marketing activities;
- Old Church Creamery in King William, Virginia will receive $175,000 to support operations and expand marketing activities;
- Monroe Bay Vineyard in King George, Virginia will receive $49,500 to support operations and expand marketing activities;
- North Cove Mushrooms, LLC. in Reva, Virginia will receive $250,000 to support operations and expand marketing of locally-grown foods;
- Woods Mill Malting, LLC. in Lovingston, Virginia will receive $49,999 to support operations and expand marketing activities;
- Buckingham Berkshires in Gladstone, Virginia will receive $49,500 to support operations and expand marketing activities;
- FDC Enterprises, Inc. in Nottoway County, Virginia will receive $75,000 to support a feasibility study;
- Next Generation Woods, Inc. in Hiwassee, Virginia will receive $50,245 to support a feasibility study;
- Blue Bee Cider, LLC. in Richmond, Virginia will receive $250,000 to support operations and expand marketing activities;
- Buffalo Creek Beef, LLC. in Lexington, Virginia will receive $200,000 to support operations and expand marketing activities;
- Turkey Knob Growers, Inc. in Timberville, Virginia will receive $49,500 to support operations and expand marketing of locally-grown foods;
- Davis Valley Winery and Vineyard, Inc. in Rural Retreat, Virginia will receive $250,000 to support operations and expand marketing activities and;
- Kelly Turkeys USA, LLC. in Fort Valley, Virginia will receive $250,000 to support operations and expand marketing activities.
The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. The VAPG program aims to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income for local product-based businesses.
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Chris Graham
