Source: USDA, 9/26/13

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced grants to support small, socially disadvantaged agriculture producers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

"These grants will help socially-disadvantaged business owners get the tools they need to succeed and expand markets across the nation," said Vilsack. "This funding is an example of the Obama Administration's dedication to the economic stability of rural communities throughout the country."

Funding is provided through USDA's Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant program, which offers technical assistance to help producers develop new markets and grow their operations. For example, the Latino Economic Development Center in Minneapolis has been selected to receive a $200,000 grant to provide legal and business training to small Latino and Hmong agricultural producers.
A complete list of grant recipients follows below. The funding is contingent upon the reci

pient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

North Carolina
•      North Carolina A & T State University – $196,120 grant. Funds will be used to help farm businesses develop marketing plans.