AUGUSTA — Commissioner Walt Whitcomb recently announced eight Agricultural Development Grant Program awards totaling nearly $250,000 at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show, including two Aroostook County businesses.
Aroostook Hops, LLC, of Westfield and LaJoie Growers, LLC, of Van Buren were among the eight projects identified, which address needs in the agricultural industry for development of livestock processing; improved utilization and profitability of Maine grown crops; product enhancements for nutrition and/or food safety; and alternative markets or diversification including merchandising, farm stands, rural tours and educational opportunities.
The preliminary selections were chosen by a review committee from 30 qualified proposals submitted in response to a formal Request For Proposals (RFP). They are pending approval by the State of Maine Purchases Division and the successful completion of a State of Maine contract.
Aroostook Hops would use the funds for creating a hop pelletizing facility to produce Maine-grown and pelletized hops.
LaJoie Growers would use their award to aid in diversifying farm products with cold storage capacity.
The other six to be awarded are Coastal Enterprises, Inc. of Wiscasset, the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine in Orono, Lakeside Family Farm of Newport, Barlettyarns Inc. of Harmony, Apple Ridge Farms of Turner and Appleton Creamery, Appleton.
“The investments being announced today strengthen Maine agriculture and will help farmers and producers realize their full economic potential,” said Gov. Paul LePage.
Whitcomb highlighted the efforts of the review committee and its careful selection of projects from dozens of competitive applications. “We congratulate the grantees and look forward to successful implementation of their projects.”
