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Gov.
Blagojevich Announces $536,000 in AgriFIRST Funds Available
Grant
Program Assists Producers in Development of New Value-added
Agriculture Businesses
Application Deadline Dec. 11
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[November 06, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD -- Applications are now being
accepted for the AgriFIRST program, which assists producers in the
development of value-added agricultural ventures, Gov. Rod R.
Blagojevich announced Monday. More than $536,000 in grants will be
available through the program, which is administered through the
Illinois Department of Agriculture.
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 "The AgriFIRST program gives
producers an incentive to expand and develop new agricultural
products that will not only improve their bottom line, but also
help boost the local economy," Blagojevich said.The fiscal
2008 budget includes $536,000 in AgriFIRST incentives to promote
"value-added" agricultural ventures, or projects that turn raw
commodities into marketable products and enable farmers to earn
a larger share of the consumer dollar. The program helps defray
the startup costs of qualified projects.
Individuals can apply for three types of grants:
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AgriFIRST also
provides up to 50 percent of the cost for feasibility
studies, competitive assessments, or consulting and
productivity services. Examples of projects eligible under
this option include feasibility studies, the development of
business or marketing plans, or market research as it
relates to the development of a new value-added product.
There is a $300,000 project limit for projects in this
category.
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The final
option provides up to 10 percent of construction costs or
capital expenditures. Eligible projects include purchasing
land, buildings or equipment.
Producers can apply for all three types of funding but must
submit separate applications.
Applications are due to the Department of Agriculture by Dec.
11 at 5 p.m.
"Through programs like Illinois AgriFIRST we are helping to
support new agriculture ventures," Agriculture Director Chuck
Hartke said. "While Illinois is known for growing corn and
soybeans, producers are getting more creative every day and
finding new ways to supplement their income and ensure the
sustainability of agriculture in the state."
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Since the program's inception in 2001, the Department of Agriculture
has provided more than $3.7 million in funding to support more than
90 projects, ranging from the development of Illinois-produced,
organic soy ingredients to assessing the feasibility of ethanol
production facilities and assisting the development of the Illinois
wine industry.
Individuals interested in applying for the AgriFIRST program can
obtain an application by contacting the Illinois Department of
Agriculture at 217-782-2172, or forms can be downloaded from
www.agr.state.il.us.
The AgriFIRST grant program cannot be used to meet provisions of
the Livestock Management Facilities Act, research and development,
or travel.
Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns regional economic development
strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to
creating jobs in Illinois' history. Since a one-size-fits-all
approach to economic development just doesn't work, the governor has
divided the state into 10 regions, each with a regional team that is
empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and
challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions
to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more
entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about
upgrading the skills of the local work force, increasing access to
capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating
and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully
partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to
help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.
[Text from file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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