NCGA has and will continue to encourage Congress to initiate and fund programs that maximize value-added opportunities for farmers and rural communities. Engaging growers in processing, production and marketing is an important strategy for enhancing farm profitability and rural economic development.
FSRIA includes some very significant opportunities for producers. Specifically, an expansion of Value-Added Market Development Grants further encouragesproducer investments in start-up farmer-owned value added processing facilities while establishing Agriculture Innovation Centers to support these endeavors with adequate marketing and technical expertise.
The Rural Development Title of FSRIA also establishes broader standards of eligibility so producer groups and business ventures largely owned by farmers can compete for grants. There are also substantial programs for Rural Strategic Investment and Implementation, Rural Business Investment grants, and enhancing access to broadband service - a real concern for rural consumers and businesses needing high-speed internet access.
Complete Position on Farm Policy & Rural Development
KEY ISSUES
