USDA Rural Development State Director Terry BrunnerUSDA News:
ALBUQUERQUE ― Saturday March 5, USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner presented a certificate of obligation to the New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association (NMWGGA) during the association’s annual conference.
During the conference banquet Brunner commented, “We are excited to support one of New Mexico’s terrific home grown industries, “These funds will help market New Mexico wines and let folks know what many of us already know—New Mexico wines are some of the best in the country.”
USDA Rural Development provided a $125,000 grant through its Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) business program to the NMWGGA. The funding is available for independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and other producer-based business ventures. The funding can be used for planning activities or working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product such as grapes.
The NMWGGA will use the USDA funding to create an outreach marketing plan to promote New Mexico’s wine industry. The NMWGGA is matching the USDA grant which will bring the total to $250,000 to fund the outreach project.
A public relations firm that specializes in promoting the wine industry is being hired to create the outreach plan. Once the plan is implemented its expected New Mexico’s wine industry will grow. Part of the advertising will highlight the wine produced in New Mexico has received numerous international awards. Ultimately, it is believed the advertising campaign will help expand the growth of grapes and wine production over the next five years.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s 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. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.
