Rural cooperative development grants

The federal Project Grant award of $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services (CFDA 10.771 - Rural Cooperative Development Grants) supports the Value-Added Agriculture Development Center Inc., a non-profit organization based in Pierre, South Dakota. The funding enables the Center to provide technical assistance, training, feasibility studies, and business planning services to help establish, expand, and enhance rural cooperative enterprises across South Dakota. These services are critical for fostering economic growth and sustainability in rural communities, particularly within the agricultural sector. The grant award period runs from August 29, 2024, to August 29, 2024. The Center has consistently received federal funding through this program since 2019, securing over $1 million to date to support the development of mutually-owned businesses that benefit local economies.