Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2006

Schumer Announces $75,000 For New York Maple Producers Association, Inc. In Schuyler County

USDA Rural Development Funds Will Be Used For Production Of Maple Sugar Products

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced a $75,000 grant was awarded to the New York Maple Producers Association in Schuyler County by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development program as a Value-Added Agriculture Product Market Development Grant. The grant was awarded to conduct a feasibility analysis of building a permanent sugarhouse and commercial kitchen at the New York State Fairgrounds.

"This is great news for the Schuyler County and everyone involved," Schumer said. “Local agricultural products have always been a staple of the local economy and this money for the New York Maple Producer Association will ensure that their products continue to be available to the community.”

The rural development funds will be used to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a permanent sugarhouse and commercial kitchen at the New York State Fairgrounds to benefit New York Maple Producers Association members. If built, these buildings would benefit the local producers of the region by improving the efficiency and cost of maple sugar production.

The USDA Rural Development Value-Added Agriculture Product Market Development Grant program works to facilitate funds to allow for the planning of activities and the creation of working capital. These funds are for independent producers, farmer and rancher co-operatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures that refine their products in order to increase the value of these products to customers and users.

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