BI grants - rcdg discretionary value-added agricultural prod MKT dvlp

Sea Island Oyster Company LLC received a $249,892 Project Grant award from the Rural Business Cooperative Services under the Value-Added Producer Grants program (CFDA 10.352) effective August 21, 2025, with an ultimate completion date of August 21, 2027. This award supports the company's value-added processing and marketing activities related to oyster products in South Carolina. The funding is designated for discretionary value-added agricultural product market development initiatives and will enable the company to develop and expand market opportunities for processed or value-added oyster products, thereby supporting economic viability and producer income growth in the specialty aquaculture sector.

Under the Value-Added Producer Grants program, the award funds either planning activities (such as feasibility studies and business plan development) or working capital expenses (day-to-day operational costs associated with processing and marketing) for value-added agricultural products. Based on the award amount and two-year project timeline, this grant likely supports working capital operations for Sea Island Oyster Company LLC's value-added processing and marketing venture. The company must comply with federal financial reporting requirements and is prohibited from using funds for agricultural production, construction, real property purchases, or fixed equipment and vehicle acquisitions.