The USDA Rural Development will hold training on two federal programs designed to help support rural businesses, 
create new markets for agricultural products, and assist our country in becoming more energy independent. The training sessions will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011 from 1:30-3:30pm in Room 127 at the DACC Workforce Center, 2345 E. Nevada in Las Cruces.
Eligible applicants for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) are agricultural producers and rural small businesses; program provides grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for business/commercial (not residential).
Eligible applicants for the Value Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG) are independent producers, farmer or rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer based business ventures; program provides grants for value-added planning and working capital.
Attendance is free but RSVP is encouraged to ensure sufficient seating and handouts. RSVP to Kim Giang at (505)761-4953 or kim.giang@nm.usda.gov. Questions may be directed to Jesse Monfort Bopp at (505)761-4952 or jesse.bopp@nm.usda.gov or Kim Giang. For more information on these and all USDA Rural Development business and cooperative programs, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs.
