Perhaps someone on list will find this interesting.

Sandra

USDA Rural Development in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension,
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services, and Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and
Rural Sustainability will be conducting workshops focused on assisting
agriculture producers and small businesses apply for the Value-Added
Producer Grant (VAPG) and the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency
Improvements Program (REEP).



The *Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)* program can be accessed by eligible
agriculture producers or producer groups for either planning or working
capital in a value-added agriculture endeavor. *The grant will pay for up
to 50% of eligible project costs*.



The *Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
(REEP)* can *pay up to 25% of the costs* for an agriculture producer or
small business to implement a renewable energy project or make energy
efficiency improvements to their building or processes

* *

*An overview of each program as well as tips for applying for grant funds
will be presented*. Meetings will be held on the following dates at the
below-listed locations. All meetings will begin and 11:00 A.M. and end at
2:30 P.M. *Lunch will be served*.



*December 8, 2008* - The Riverstone Technology Building, 1100 Confroy Drive,
South Boston, VA 24592



December 9, 2008 - The Heritage Preservation Center (Upper Floor), 115 W.
Spiller Street, Wytheville, VA 24382



*December 10, 2008 - *Virginia Cooperative Extension District Office, 2322
Blue Stone Hills Drive, Suite 140, Harrisonburg, VA 22801



*December 11, 2008* – Hampton Inn & Suites, 117 Fort Evans Road NE,
Leesburg, VA 20176



*December 12, 2008 - *Virginia Farm Bureau, 12580 West Creek Parkway,
Richmond, VA 23238





For further information about the meetings, please contact Laurette Tucker
of USDA Rural Development at 804.287.1594 or Chris Cook of the Virginia Farm
Bureau at 804.290.1111 or visit www.vafairs.com.



The meetings are free. However, registration is required to attend.

To register, please call 804.290.1155, or email
bflem@...<http://../VAPG%20Meetings/bflem@vafb.com>stating your
name and which meeting you would like to attend.
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com
<http://www.lostartsguild.blogspot.com>


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