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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
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REP. JOHN WARD DETAILS CHANGES TO FARM GRANTS AND ENCOURAGES LOCAL BUSINESSES TO APPLY FOR GRANTS
(ST. PAUL) — Rep. John Ward (DFL – Brainerd) today encouraged constituents and local businesses to apply for “Community Connect" grants being offered by the US Department of Agriculture, and urged local farmers to take advantage of recent changes to the Value-Added Producer Grant Program.
The USDA is currently accepting applications for the “Community Connect” grant program through May 3. Application information can be obtained by visiting the “Community Connect” website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_commconnect.html. Any project applying must have matching contributions, serve a rural area where broadband service does not exist, provide services to critical communities free of charge for two years, and offer basic service to all in the proposed service area. Funds may be used to construct, acquire or lease facilities to deploy broadband to residents, businesses and essential community facilities such as police and fire stations, libraries, schools, and health care clinics.
“These grants provide an excellent opportunity for our district to expand our broadband capabilities, Rep. Ward said. “Broadband helps our students learn faster, and helps our businesses compete in today’s global economy. I strongly encourage local organizations and businesses to apply for this grant.”
Additionally, recent changes to the Value-Added Producer Grant Program will provide opportunities to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. The changes will also assist independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and will support local and regional supply networks.
The regulations address program changes included in the 2008 Farm Bill. The changes include providing up to 10 percent funding to beginner farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; providing up to 10 percent funding to local and/or regional supply networks that link producers with companies marketing their products; giving priority for grants to beginner farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and operators of small and medium-sized family farms; and extending grant eligibility to producers who market their products within their state or within a 400-mile radius.
“This is another example of what a strong public-private sector partnership can provide,” Rep. Ward said. “The changes to this grant program will have a direct, positive impact for the farmers in our area. I urge them to apply for this excellent opportunity.”
These changes take effect on March 25, 2011. Those interested in applying should contact Thomas Leach at (218) 829-5965, extension 150; or at thomas.leach@mn.usda.gov.
News Items
- Local Projects Among $18 million in Small Cities Development Grants - (Posted: Jun 12 2013 9:46AM)
- Rep. Ward Encourages Non-Profits to Apply for MNsure Consumer Assistance Grants - (Posted: Jun 3 2013 1:39PM)
- Rep. Ward Appointed to Serve on Select Committee on Controlled Substances and Synthetic Drugs - (Posted: May 30 2013 9:58AM)
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