May 19, 2013
A million dollars of federal grant money is up for grabs for farmers in the east for conservation and irrigation.
North Carolina democrat Congressman G.K. Butterfield was in Martin county Friday to announce our state is one of a few nationwide to get this grant money. As part of a pilot program with the USDA, disadvantaged farmers can apply for funds from the $1million dollar grant. There are certain requirements. You must show a crop log and show efforts to use irrigation systems 2 out of the last 5 years. There are a few hoops to jump through, but the congressman and some local farmers say it's worth it.
"This one million dollar power project is not a lot of money, but at least it's an opportunity for some of the farmers to participate." said G.K. Butterfield, (D-NC) U.S. Representative.
"Any financial help that a young farmer or a small farmer can get would be beneficial in this day and age, especially the economic times we're in," said N.C. farmer Reginald Ross.
The USDA says this grant money is not designated for start up costs for farmers.
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