USDA awards grants to 8 Va. agricultural producers

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Eight agricultural producers in Virginia are receiving federal grants to develop new ways to earn income.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says agriculture producers can use the funding to expand marketing opportunities, create new products or develop new uses for existing products.

The grants announced Thursday are among more than 100 awarded nationwide by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for projects involving locally produced and marketed foods.

Grants ranging from $29,000 to $300,000 were awarded to Mt. Crawford Creamery of Mt. Crawford, Mid-Atlantic Aquatic Technology, LLC, of Quinby, Miller Farms, Inc., of Locust Grove, Showalter Orchard and Greenhouse of Timberville, Homestead Creamery, Inc., of Wirtz, Broadfork Farm, LLC, of Chesterfield County, MeadowCroft Farm, LLC, of Swoope and Glenmary Gardens of Bristol.