HILO, Hawaii, Oct 22, 2012 -- Chris J. Kanazawa,
State Director for USDA Rural Development, announced the
selection of the Kohala Center, Inc., to receive a $128,471
Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant (SSDPG).
"The Small Socially Disadvantaged Producers Grant
offers funding to enable capacity building in operators of
small agriculture and business enterprises in rural
communities of Hawaii," Kanazawa stated. "The
funding provided to The Kohala Center will enhance the
outreach to farmers, ranchers and businesses that have a
true need for the training and technical assistance."
The SSDPG will allow The Kohala Center to assist
approximately 240 socially disadvantaged producers within
four Cooperative groups (Ku I Ka Mana Agricultural
Cooperative, Molokai Livestock Cooperative, Hawaiian Tea
Cooperative, and the Kau Agricultural Water Cooperative).
The program will provide technical assistance training in
agricultural production and processing, agricultural
business development and marketing, farm-based energy
systems design, food safety certification, rangeland
management, cooperative membership training, and financial
capacity building.
"The Laulima Center is honored to receive the SSDPG
funding from the USDA to provide needed training to the
producer-members of these four cooperatives", said
Melanie Bondera, The Kohala Center's Rural Cooperative
Development Specialist. "These specialized trainings
will help increase the economic viability of their
agricultural businesses."
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area,
administers and manages housing, business and community
infrastructure programs through a national network of state
and local offices. Rural Development has an active
portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan
guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the
economic stability of rural communities, businesses,
residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of
life in rural America.
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USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender,
Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should
be sent to: USDA, DIRECTOR, Office of Civil Rights,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.
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