Indianapolis, IN, October 22, 2015 – USDA Rural Development has announced the selection of Scott County business Goat Milk Stuff as a recipient of a $250,000 Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG). Today’s announcement is one part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.
“Today we see an increase in value-added products in the marketplace that are derived from raw agriculture commodities,” said Philip Lehmkuhler, USDA Rural Development Indiana State Director, “These projects will help support the continued development of innovative products that are not only helping find alternative energy sources but also bringing higher value for agriculture commodities.”
Scottsburg Mayor William Graham noted, “We are very proud to have Goat Milk Stuff in our community and for them to share with the world what they have and what a Value-Added Producer Grant can do. They’ve gone from making soap to also making cheese and candies, which adds a lot of value to what you can derive from goats. It’s also amazing how they involve their children who have become entrepreneurs in their own right.”
Goat Milk Stuff, located in Scottsburg, Indiana, will use the funds to manufacture and market goat milk caramels online to their existing large customer base of over 54,000 customers and locally at their retain store on the farm.
The Value-Added Producer Grants may be used for feasibility studies or business plans, working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy projects. Eligible applicants include independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Value-added products are created when a producer increases the consumer value of an agricultural commodity in the production or processing stage.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).
Rural Development
5975 Lakeside Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Voice 317.290.3100
Email: darrell.mowery@in.usda.gov
Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
Release No.: 16-01
Contact: Darrell Mowery, (317) 295-5770, darrell.mowery@in.usda.gov
