USDA offers grants to growers

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for grants that will help growers add value to the commodities they produce.

USDA Rural Development state director Terry Brunner says the agency plans to award grants of up to $100,000 and working capital grants of up to $300,000 to successful applicants.

The Value-Added Producer Grant Program helps farmers and ranchers create and market their products.

The grants can be used for business plans, feasibility studies, marketing or for working capital.

A New Mexico dairy cooperative recently used a grant to determine if dairy waste can be turned into methane.

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that use existing products in nontraditional ways.