Value- added agricultural product market development grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services awarded a $218,720.97 Value-Added Producer Grant (CFDA 10.352) to Jimmy D Franks, doing business as Franks' Farm, on November 27, 2024. The grant supports the development and expansion of Franks' Farm's value-added agricultural product processing and marketing capabilities. Specifically, the funding is being used for planning initiatives such as feasibility studies, business plans, and marketing strategies, with a project period ending in September 2021.

Additionally, Franks' Farm has been involved in sub-grant awards through the University of Tennessee, which appear to be connected to dairy processing efficiency and product diversification efforts, including the development of new product lines like kefir and drinkable yogurt. These sub-grants suggest that Franks' Farm is part of a broader agricultural innovation ecosystem focused on enhancing processing capabilities and improving market flexibility for agricultural producers.