Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announced today that two farms in her District will receive USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grants to expand their businesses and launch new product lines. Pingree has been steadfast in her opposition to proposed cuts to this vital program, which has a track record of helping rural businesses succeed and hire more workers.

“Farmers are always thinking about how to improve their bottom line—getting just a little more money for their product can make all the difference between breaking even or not. Value-Added Producer Grants have proved vital in helping Maine farms succeed by improving their business plans, hiring workers, and marketing new products,” Pingree said. “I’m glad these local farms will be able to use funds to grow their businesses and enter new markets. Less funding for this program would translate to fewer rural businesses succeeding and fewer jobs being created, which is why I will continue to defend it against shortsighted cuts in Congress." 

Fredrikson Farm, South China: $224,863
Fredrikson Farm will use working capital grant funds to expand the production, marketing, and sales of goat's milk cheese. The project will increase wholesale and retail revenue to the farm, grow the customer base, and allow Fredrikson Farm to hire staff.

Goronson Farm, Scarborough: $3,750
The Goronson Farm will use planning grant funds to produce a business plan and conduct a feasibility study on selling handcrafted, organic fresh and hard apple ciders. These documents will help guide the Goronson Farm for future expansion.

Background on Value-Added Producer Grants
During debate on the House Farm Bill in May, Pingree took to the floor to oppose cuts to the Value-Added Producer Grant program—the partisan bill would eliminate mandatory funding for the program and many others within USDA Rural Development. 

She also defended the program during House debate of a rescissions package. 

In May, the USDA Economic Research Service released a study finding the businesses receiving VAPG funding lasted longer and hired more employees than companies that did not receive a grant.

Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, which oversees discretionary funding for programs like Value-Added Producer Grants.