Pingree, Poliquin Announce Federal Investment in Rural Small Businesses

Statement

Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin announced $275,000 in federal grants for four Maine organizations to help grow the rural and agricultural economy in Maine. The grants will provide job training, low cost loans and improve distribution for agricultural products.

"The agriculture economy has tremendous potential for growth, creating good jobs right here in Maine," Pingree said. "Investing in the local economy and local food is a good way to create economic growth in rural communities."

"While traveling throughout Maine, it has been great to see, first-hand, the potential job growth local farms, such as Backyard Tomatoes in Madison, can provide for our communities," Poliquin said. "These grants will help provide more resources for our rural communities to provide more jobs for Mainers and create a better business climate."

The grants, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are targeted at starting or expanding rural small businesses.

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