By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Three northeast Kansas projects will benefit from USDA grants, part of the federal Agriculture Department’s $2.77 million economic development boost to 12 Kansas communities.
“The USDA is committed to helping rural, agricultural businesses expand and diversify their products,” USDA Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer said in a written statement. “Today’s investments will help companies hire more workers and reach new customers. It will help entrepreneurs and farmers create jobs, grow businesses and find new and better markets for the items they produce.”
The USDA has provided a $210,000 grant to help pay for the expansion of Central Grazing Company’s package lamb meat product line. The Lawrence company can use the money to process supplies and expand storage.
Another USDA grant, totaling $250,000, will be use to expand Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery’s hard cider product. The Leavenworth company can use the federal funds hire staff, in its marketing efforts, and for supplies.
Another $250,000 USDA grant has been given to Diamond C Food Service of Atchison to expand its beef and pork processing facility, also to diversify into new markets.