Feds deliver $1.36M to spur innovation at Maine agricultural producers
Nine agricultural producers in Maine are on the receiving end of $1,363,118 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grant program.
“It is important for USDA Rural Development to invest in these Maine agricultural producers that are using innovative ideas to add value to their product lines, thereby increasing agricultural/aquaculture production in rural Maine,” USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Virginia Manuel said in a statement. “These business development activities help to make diverse products available to consumers while supporting jobs and the local economy in Maine.”
In total, the USDA is investing more than $45 million in 325 projects across the country.
“Value-Added Producer Grants are one of USDA’s most sought-after funding sources for veteran and beginning farmers, and rural-based businesses,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. “These grants provide a much-needed source of financing to help producers develop new product lines and increase their income, and keep that income in their communities.”
The Maine grant recipients are:
American Unagi LLC, in Thomaston, will receive $49,400 to assess the feasibility and marketability of processed products made from farm-raised American eels. Planning funds will support hiring a marketing consultant, performing consumer testing, nutritional analysis and development of a business plan.
Penobscot McCrum LLC, Belfast, will receive $248,000 to assist with personnel, ingredients and marketing expenses associated with transforming raw potatoes into processed potato wedges. Working capital will help expand the existing customer base by 300% over the course of the grant period.
South Paw Farm, Margaret Mitchell, in Freedom, will receive $63,856 to promote and produce canned, organic marinara sauce and salsa. Working capital will support labor costs for processing, product delivery and bookkeeping as well as assist in paying for marketing, jars and product labels.
Noami Brautigam, independent producer, in Monroe, will receive $24,145 to assist with the branding, processing, marketing and distribution of organic winter greens. Working capital funds will support a marketing strategy that teaches Maine consumers to shop for fresh, locally-grown, organic vegetables year-round.
Ricker Hill Orchards, in Turner, has been selected to receive $250,000: Grant funds will be used for brand unification, expanding product reach nationally, and to increase production of raw apple cider vinegar, hard cider, fruit wines and carbonated sweet ciders. Working capital funds will support hiring a marketing manager, enhancing online presence and increasing production of all products.
Avena Botanicals, Rockport, will receive $250,000 to assist with personnel, processing and marketing costs to increase sales of organic herbal products. Working capital funds will help expand the existing customer base and revenues more than 50% over the course of the grant period.
Fuzzy Udder Creamery, Jessica Laing Dowling, Whitefield, will receive $177,717 to produce and market artisan cheeses from goat and sheep milk. Working capital funds will be used for marketing, attending and participating in conferences, packaging, labeling and labor in an effort to expand markets and increase customers.
Thirty Acre Farm LLC, Whitefield, will receive $250,000 to expand the marketing and processing of sauerkraut and other fermented products made from organic vegetables. Working capital funds will support labor costs for production, packaging, labeling, operational and promotional expenses.
Dogpatch Farm LLC, Washington, will receive $50,000 to brand and direct market pork from critically rare Mulefoot Hogs. Working capital funds will support labor costs for production, sales, marketing and delivery as well as packaging, labeling and promotional expenses.
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