$2.2M in USDA funds awarded to help grow 11 Maine small businesses
Eleven Maine agribusinesses and farms will receive a total of $2.2 million in federal funding to help them grow their capacities and expand into new markets.
The Value-Added Producer Grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program will help the businesses enter into value-added activities related to processing and marketing of new agricultural products, the department said in a news release Thursday.
The goal of the grants is to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income.
USDA Rural Development State Director Timothy P. Hobbs said, “Supporting our Maine agricultural producers in their innovative business activities helps them to remain competitive and thriving as they market their locally-produced agricultural goods.”
Maine recipients and grants
- American Unagi LLC, in Thomaston, $237,900 to produce hot-smoked processed eel for the smoked fish and prepared food sectors
- Baker Brook Farm & Creamery, in Windham, $43,437 to examine the feasibility of establishing its own processing facility for milk and ice cream
- Balfour Farm LLC, in Pittsfield, $250,000 to expand the production, marketing and sales of certified organic aged raw milk cheese, fresh cheese and yogurt
- Crystal Spring Community Farm LLC, in Brunswick, $250,000 to expand the production, marketing and sales of organic carrots and blueberries
- Herbal Revolution Farm & Apothecary, in Union, $250,000 to expand the production, marketing and sales of herbal tinctures, tonics, teas, scrubs and elixirs
- Bee Balm & Nettle, in Waldo, $12,000 to expand the production, marketing and sales of herbal loose-leaf teas and bath teas
- South Paw Farm, in Freedom, $250,000 to expand the production, marketing and sales of organic produce
- Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Co., in Columbia Falls, $250,000 to expand the production, marketing and sales of frozen, branded blueberries
- Singing Prairie Farms LLC/Singing Pastures Farm, in Newcastle, $176,000 to expand the production, marketing and sales of pork snack sticks
- Toddy Pond Farm, in Monroe, $223,496 to expand the production, marketing and sales of cheeses and yogurts
- Two Farmers Farm LLC, in Scarborough, $250,000 to expand the production, marketing and sales of certified organic produce
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