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8-27-04
GRANTS OFFERED FOR INNOVATIVE PORK PROJECTS
AMES, Iowa -- Farmers, businesses, educators and researchers are invited
to submit their ideas for projects that address challenges in emerging
markets for niche pork products.
Grants of up to $6,000 will be available in October from the Pork Niche
Market Working Group (PNMWG), an effort that involves more than 30
organizations interested in niche pork opportunities.
Two previous requests for proposals led to various innovative projects,
including one that documented construction and use of a greenhouse for
farrowing pigs during winter months. Unique to this funding round is
that people outside the PNMWG may apply for the grants. Application
deadline is Sept. 15, 2004
The PNMWG is part of a larger project, Value Chain Partnerships for a
Sustainable Agriculture, that supports new and existing networks for
sustainably raised Iowa products. The larger project is funded primarily
by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and coordinated by the
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Practical Farmers of Iowa,
another partner in the larger project, coordinates PNMWG activities.
The working group has identified projects that will be given a high
priority during the competitive grant process. These projects would:
help consumers understand the attributes of niche pork
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target market segments most likely interested in
these products
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use production data to develop information for
prospective farmers and/or lenders
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address carcass utilization issues, quality control
systems or pricing strategies
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help develop promotional materials, and
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offer organization and management assistance to
niche pork businesses.
The request for proposals can be downloaded from the
PNMWG web site at:
www.agmrc.org/pork/pnmwg/proceduresrequirements.pdf.
For more information or questions about the application procedure and
expectations, contact PNMWG coordinator Gary Huber, (515) 232-5661 ext.
103, gary@practicalfarmers.org.
For more information, contact:
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