USDA RA Value Added Producer Grant Training
Event Details
Date
April 5, 2023
Time
6pm - 7:30pm
Location
Zoom
Host
CCE Oneida County
Myron Thurston III
315-736-3394
email Myron Thurston III
Elizabeth Higgins of the CCE Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program, Nicole Tommell of the CCE Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team, and Myron Thurston of CCE Oneida County will be providing an info session on the USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant Program.
The Value Added Producer Grant is one of the most commonly funded grants for farmers who are doing any type of value-added production. The grant application and guidelines can be difficult for first-time applicants and the restrictions on the usage of the funding can be confusing. Elizabeth, Nicole, and Myron will provide information from the farmer applicant's perspective and give tips to make sure that the grant reviewers at the USDA will understand the need to fund the proposed project. In addition, attendees will hear from farmers who have been funded by this grant program.
Dairy
Livestock
Forages
Grains
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1. It's free and easy!
2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.
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Farmers can visit https://www.meatsuite.com/farmers/ to create a free farm profile. You must list at least one product for your farm's profile to go live. You'll also have access to Cornell's free Meat Price Calculator, a helpful tool for pricing your meat to make a profit.
While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.
If you have any questions as you create your farm profile or products, we're here to help! Please email Matt LeRoux at mnl28@cornell.edu.