Grainnet

SPRINGFIELD, IL–Illinois Agriculture Director Joe Hampton has awarded AgriFIRST grants to western Illinois groups looking to enhance the value of Illinois agricultural products.

“The competitive future of Illinois agriculture will depend on adding value to the crops and livestock we grow on our farms,” Hampton said.

“These grant recipients are taking a bold step to look into the future of how we will do business as an industry.”

AgriFIRST was enacted by Governor George H. Ryan in 2001 as an economic development tool for Illinois agriculture.

Grants can be awarded to provide technical assistance or to fund feasibility studies or competitive assessments for projects that raise farmers’ share of profits from the processing of raw commodities.

The announcement is the fourth in a series of grant award announcements for the first year of funding for AgriFIRST.

A total of 29 projects will be awarded $1.5 million in AgriFIRST grants.

Western Illinois projects awarded AgriFIRST grants include:

Central Illinois Ag Coalition, Canton, IL--$70,000 to investigate the feasibility of constructing a grain ethanol facility utilizing corn produced in the Fulton County area.

Western Illinois University/Illinois Rural Affairs Institute, Macomb, IL--$125,000 to provide on-site technical assistance to local producer organizations engaged in value-added endeavors.

Big River Resources, Monmouth, IL--$300,000 for business planning for a 40 million-gallon ethanol plant including legal and accounting assistance, environmental consulting and other fees.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• Illinois Department of Agriculture

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