USDA Rural Development in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability will be conducting workshops focused on assisting agriculture producers and small businesses apply for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) and the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program (REEP).
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program can be accessed by eligible agriculture producers or producer groups for either planning or working capital in a value-added agriculture endeavor. The grant will pay for up to 50% of eligible project costs.
The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program (REEP) can pay up to 25% of the costs for an agriculture producer or small business to implement a renewable energy project or make energy efficiency improvements to their building or processes
An overview of each program as well as tips for applying for grant funds will be presented. Meetings will be held on the following dates at the below-listed locations. All meetings will begin and 11:00 A.M. and end at 2:30 P.M. Lunch will be served.
December 8, 2008- The Riverstone Technology Building, 1100 Confroy Drive, South Boston, VA 24592
December 9, 2008- The Heritage Preservation Center (Upper Floor), 115 W. Spiller Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
December 10, 2008- Virginia Cooperative Extension District Office, 2322 Blue Stone Hills Drive, Suite 140, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
December 11, 2008- Hampton Inn & Suites, 117 Fort Evans Road NE, Leesburg, VA 20176
December 12, 2008- Virginia Farm Bureau, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238
For further information about the meetings, please contact Laurette Tucker of USDA Rural Development at 804.287.1594 or Chris Cook of the Virginia Farm Bureau at 804.290.1111 or visit www.vafairs.com.
The meetings are free. However, registration is required to attend.
To register, please call 804.290.1155, or email bflem@vafb.com stating your name and which meeting you would like to attend.
