"The U.S. Agriculture Department on Friday awarded $40.2 million in grants to farmers, ranchers and farmer-controlled rural business ventures aimed at spurring locally produced food supplies and renewable energy ventures."

"USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said 298 recipients in 44 states and Puerto Rico will receive business development assistance through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.

'These projects will provide financial returns and help create jobs for agricultural producers, businesses and families across the country,' Merrigan said in a statement."

Christine Stebbins reports for Reuters February 6, 2012. [2]