Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today announced a $10,000 grant has been awarded to the Wood River Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program to assist rural businesses. The funding, provided through the USDA Rural Development, will aid agricultural entrepreneurs in market research and project development for value-added products. 

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Idaho’s economy and innovation is what will keep it that way for years to come,” said Simpson. “I want to commend the Wood River RC&D for their efforts to promote new business opportunities in Idaho, expand the value of farm commodities, and strengthen Idaho communities.”

The grant meets the Wood River RC&D’s economic development goals by assisting local farmers and entrepreneurs in vertically integrating their operations and adding value to agricultural commodities. With this grant funding, the RC&D plans to facilitate the development and/or expansion of agricultural business through increased marketing and planning and encourage sustained agriculture by providing more local food options for the Magic Valley.

“If the value-added activities that were identified during this grant process are awarded Value-Added Producer Grants, it will add additional jobs and strengthen the economy in the Wood River Valley,” said Wood River RC&D Coordinator, Polly Huggins. “USDA Rural Development Business Program Specialist's Randy Wheatley and Brian Buch were great to work with and provided much assistance to assure the grant process was simple and straightforward. We look forward to partnering with them on future projects.”

More information about this grant can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/id.