Charles City vineyard receives $250,000 grant

By Community Member | October 27, 2016 6:42 pm

A Charles City vineyard received a $250,000 grant as part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s grants through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.

The Virginia Rural Development office’s Oct. 27 press release announced that Upper Shirley Vineyards LLC was one of 20 recipients to receive money through the program. The vineyard received the quarter-million dollar grant to increase wine production, marketing, and inventory.

“We have a strong history working with local producers and small rural businesses through the VAPG program and we continue to give the program careful attention each year because those who benefit are innovative leaders working to expand their businesses,” said acting USDA Rural Development Virginia State Director Janice Stroud-Bickes. “We’re proud to help rural farmers, producers, business owners, families, and communities maximize the return on their hard work and creativity.”

Approximately $3.9 million was distributed to 20 Virginia Farms and Businesses under the grant program.