Farmers interested in value-added farm enterprises have an opportunity to submit proposals for up to $500,000 from a new U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant program.

“You can use the grants to conduct feasibility analyses, develop business plans, develop marketing plans or conduct other types of studies to help establish a viable value-added business venture,” said Rob Holland of the Agricultural Development Center at The University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture.

For more information, visit the USDA Value-Added Development Grants Web site at <http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/indepen.htm>, or contact Rob Holland at (931) 486-2777.