WASHINGTON, April 29, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today USDA is accepting applications for grants for cooperative development centers to improve economic conditions in rural areas.

"These cooperative development centers provide rural Americans with stronger technical and managerial skills helping small businesses become more profitable and creating jobs in rural communities," said Vilsack.

Grants of up to $200,000 may awarded to colleges, universities and non-profit groups to create and operate centers that help individuals or groups establish, expand or operate rural businesses, especially cooperatives. The grants are being provided through USDA Rural Development's Rural Cooperative Development Grant program.

The centers promote President Obama's goal to bring increased economic opportunities to rural residents by giving them tools to help their businesses grow. Cooperative program grants can be used, among other things, to conduct feasibility studies, create and implement business plans, and help businesses develop new markets for their products and services.

USDA may award up to $4.4 million in grants through this notice. Grants may finance up to 75 percent of the cost of establishing and operating the cooperative centers. Recipients must match 25 percent of the total project cost.

Applications are due by the close of business June 29, 2009. The application guide for this grant program can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops.htm Also see the April 29, 2009, Federal Register, page 19485.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov .