Last week, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley of Oregon said that the USDA would provide $2.1 million in grants to 11 farmers in Oregon. These producers can reach more people and sell more goods with money.
“Oregon’s family farmers and ranchers have put Oregon on the map as an agriculture powerhouse, all while supporting jobs across the state. These grant dollars help kick-start efforts for family farms to innovate and continue to compete in a global marketplace,” Wyden said.
“On National Ag Day and every day, I will keep fighting to secure similar investments that support Oregon Ag producers for generations to come.”
“I hear from Oregonians across the state about the need to ensure our world-class agriculture sector has the support it needs to grow and thrive,” Merkley said.
“The opportunities these grants will create for innovation and keeping Oregon farmers and ranchers competitive in the global market will have lasting impacts on Oregon communities. I look forward to seeing the great things to come from these grants and will keep working hard to make sure Oregon farmers and ranchers have what they need to succeed.”
The grant was announced on National Ag Day last week.
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The money is distributed through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program of USDA Rural Development. The grants help farmers make new products, find new ways to sell them, and raise their incomes through activities that add value. Among the announced are:
- A farm in Rickreall, Oregon, called Zena Forest, will use a $249,592 grant to market and process raw logs into wide-planked engineered flooring in a more significant way.
- A $250,000 grant will help Stangel Livestock, a family farm in Enterprise, Oregon, market and sell more grass-fed meat and finished bison products.
- Scenic Fruit Company, an Oregon farm in Gresham, will use a $72,000 grant to work with the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center on a feasibility study and to market their new product, a blueberry dessert topping.
- Firebird Farms, a farm in Ashland, Oregon, will use a $234,895 grant to increase production, capacity, and sales of Tibetan yak fiber products like skulls, hides, and down fiber.
- Wild Oasis Bison Ranch, an Eagle Point, Oregon farm, will use a $250,000 grant to market and sell more bison cuts.
- A farm in Sisters, Oregon, called Rainshadow Organics, will use a $49,999 grant to market and sell more Shrub, a juice drink made from imperfect or extra vegetables.
- La Creole Orchards is a farm in Portland, Oregon. With help from the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center, they will use a $49,999 grant to market and sell more olive oil.
- A farm in Junction City, Oregon, called Creamy Cow, will use a $250,000 grant to market and sell more soft and hard cheeses.
- A farm in Mulino, Oregon, called Lady-Lane Farm, will use a $250,000 grant to sell their cheese, butter, and ice cream in new places.
- A farm in Canby, Oregon, called TMK Creamery, will use a $250,000 grant to market and sell more of its hard-pack ice cream, Swiss cheese, and Cowcohol vodka.
- My Brothers’ Farm is a family-run farm in Creswell, Oregon. They will use a $250,000 grant to market their organic hazelnuts and sell more of them.
Below is a Twitter post related to this news-
“National Ag Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture and the unwavering commitment of our nation’s agricultural producers,” said USDA Rural Development Oregon State Director Margi Hoffmann.
“Through severe droughts and extreme wildfires, Oregon’s farmers, ranchers, orchardists, and fishers put food on our tables, create jobs, and supply our nation. With the support of programs like USDA RD’s Value-Added Producer Grants, their innovation and resilience have made Oregon a national leader in sustainable, climate smart agriculture.”
Source- Greenenergyanalysis.com
