USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced today that a local business, “Two Guys Making Artisanal Cheese,” aka “The Old Windmill Dairy” will receive a $250,000 investment in grant funds from USDA. The funding will help the Estancia, New Mexico cheese farm expand its business opportunities. The funding is being made available through USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
“New Mexico has some of the most creative and innovative small businesses developing unique, high-quality products,” Brunner said. “Two Guys Making Artisanal Cheese, aka The Old Windmill Dairy is an award-winning producer of goat cheeses and we are pleased to help them expand their operation in hopes they can reach new markets and build their business further.”
“Two Guys Making Artisanal Cheese” will use the funding to pay for labor and supply costs associated with promotion, rebranding, diversification of various products, and outreach activities to local retailers, restaurants, wineries, breweries and direct-to-consumer outlets for market expansion for its artisan cheeses.
VAPG grants can be used to develop new product lines from raw agricultural products or additional uses for already developed product lines. Military veterans, socially disadvantaged, and beginning farmers and ranchers; operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches; farmer and rancher cooperatives; and applicants that propose mid-tier value chain projects are given special priority in applying for VAPGs. Additional priority is given to group applicants who seek funding for projects that “best contribute” to creating or increasing marketing opportunities for these type of operators.
President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.