Via Cathy Heidenreich:
The Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County invite you to a workshop on funding opportunities through the USDA Microloan and Value-Added Producer Grant programs.
This workshop will provide information about the funding programs and outline who is eligible and how to apply. The program will be presented by Rebecca DeSorbe, David Holck and Gretchen Pinkel of the USDA and the Office of Senator Gillibrand.
In January 2013, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new microloan program designed to help small and family operations, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers secure loans under $35,000.
The new microloan program is aimed at bolstering the progress of producers through their start-up years by providing needed resources and helping to increase equity so that farmers may eventually graduate to commercial credit and expand their operations. The microloan program will also provide a less burdensome, more simplified application process in comparison to traditional farm loans.
The Value-Added Agricultural Producer Grants program is designed to encourage independent producers of agricultural commodities to process their raw products into marketable goods. By creating value-added products, farmers and businesses can expand economic opportunities, create jobs and keep wealth in rural communities.
Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Time: 1:00pm
Location: The Saratoga County 4-H Training Center, 556 Middle Line Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
The event is free; RSVPs are requested for those attending.
Please RSVP to Sharon LaPier at 518-885-8995 or STL32@cornell.edu.
Please direct questions to Alyson Kelly at Alyson_Kelly@gillibrand.senate.gov.