Indiana Ag Connection - Indiana Co-op Center to Share in USDA Award of $4.5 Million

Indiana Ag News Headlines

Indiana Co-op Center to Share in USDA Award of $4.5 Million
Indiana Ag Connection - 08/19/2008

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced that more than $4.5 million in grants will go to 23 Rural Cooperative Development Centers to improve rural economic conditions throughout 22 states. Schafer announced the multi-million dollar funding investment during remarks at the 41st annual meeting of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund. The Indiana Cooperative Development Center Inc. will share in the funding, receiving $200,000 for programs.

"Rural Cooperative Development Centers work closely to mentor entrepreneurs and grow local business with technical advice and research," said Schafer. "This hometown support, close at hand, strengthens jobs and opportunities throughout rural communities."

The 23 nonprofit groups and institutions of higher education selected today may receive grants to finance up to 75 percent of the cost to establish and operate centers for cooperative development.

For example, with a $200,000 grant, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund will fund the Cooperative Development, Training and Research Center in Sumter County, Ala. This grant is expected to create and save more than 400 jobs, including those for 250 family farmers and 100 fishermen.

In addition, two new rural cooperative development centers will be established with the funds announced by Schafer: the Resource Center for Value Added and Alternative Agriculture at North Carolina State University, and the Appalachian Forest Resource Center in Clarke County, Ohio.

USDA Rural Development helps rural residents form cooperative businesses and improve the operations of existing cooperatives. It provides technical assistance, conducts cooperative-related research, and produces informational materials to promote public understanding of cooperatives.

Funding for individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.