USDA Awards Grants to Three South Carolina Producers

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development South Carolina State Director Jacob French and USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Jeb Wilson announced the agency is awarding $249,540 through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program to three South Carolina producers: $200,000 to Hi Bräu Beef Co in Newberry, $49,540 to Fabel Farms LLC in Winnsboro, and $200,000 to Edisto Honey, LLC in Reevesville.

Edisto Honey, LLC, in Reevesville, produces premium, locally sourced honey and value-added hive products, including bee pollen, beeswax products, infused honey, and beekeeping equipment. The grant will fund operational supplies such as packaging, new employees to assist with sales and delivery, and marketing efforts including restaurant promotions, social media and website optimization. Edisto Honey projects sales more than doubling by the third year of the project.

Hi Bräu Beef Co., in Newberry, is a cattle operation that produces premium beef and value-added beef products. The grant funds will be used for beef processing, packaging, shipping, and market expansion.  It is anticipated that over the three-year grant period, this project will increase customer base and revenue by more than 200 percent.

Fabel Farms LLC, in Winnsboro, produces free-range, pasture-raised eggs, fresh produce, and honey. Owned and operated by Joshua Fabel, the farm is expanding its market reach and sales of its locally grown, pasture-raised eggs by strengthening its brand, enhancing marketing efforts, and increasing distribution to restaurants and retail stores.

USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program supports agricultural producers as they develop value-added agricultural products, conduct market research, and implement business and marketing strategies. Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program are typically accepted for processing from agricultural producers between January and May, depending on when program funding is allocated.

USDA Rural Development recently invested $26.5 million across the country through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program, including $1,430,934 in South Carolina.