Support local growers - Write or call-in to support the Value-Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG)

See also: http://sustainableagriculture.net/publications/grassrootsguide/local-food-systems-rural-development/value-added-producer-grants/

Building New Markets for Farmers; Bringing Fresh Food to Consumers Hard times require smart investments. A faster financial recovery demands that we invest in the economic and health benefits of increasing access to fresh, healthy food and building new market opportunities for small and mid-size farmers. The Value-Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG) provides capital to farmers to develop new business enterprises that bring new local and regional products to market. It targets projects that strengthen the profitability and competitiveness of small and medium sized farmers and ranchers. It supports production that is inherently value-added such as organic, grass fed, hormone and antibiotic free. VAPG is under threat in this budget-cutting climate. Your Senator sits on the subcommittee responsible for funding agriculture and will be making important decisions about VAPG funding very soon. Please call Senator Roy Blunt today and urge him to ask for $30 million for the Value Added Producer Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2012. Calling is Easy: Call Senator Roy Blunt's office at (202) 224-5721 and ask for his aide, Zach Kinne. If he is unavailable, please leave a brief message on the voicemail with the following message (or leave your message with the receptionist): The Message is Simple: I am a constituent, calling to urge Senator Blunt to support funding of $30 million for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program. VAPG helps small and midsized farms develop new businesses and markets which lead to increased farm income, the creation of new jobs, and better and fresher food choices for consumers. In Missouri, 81 farms have received over $13 million in VAPG grants in the first eight years of the program! Click here to let us know how your call went. Your call is important, thank you! Learn More: Click here to read about how the Pinnows used their VAPG grant to build a market for Wisconsin lamb. Click here to read how a farmer in Ohio used the VAPG program. Click here to see how a farmer in Missouri used the VAPG program. Click here to learn more about the Value Added Producer Grant Program.

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition