The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will host an Agribusiness Development Workshop on March 10, 2016, at the Thomas County Office Complex, 350 S Range Ave #12, Colby, Kan., from 1:00-5:00 p.m. This workshop will provide Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses with resources, and current business development and organizational contacts to assist with startups or expansions.
The KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing received a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant to help fund this workshop.Established in the 2014 Farm Bill, USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant is a program intended to help with technical assistance, training and other activities to allow small businesses in rural areas to expand.
“Agriculture, food and food processing accounts for 1,062 jobs or 20 percent of the workforce in Thomas County,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey. “With more information and education, Kansas’ small and rural agribusinesses will be better prepared to serve as economic engines for rural Kansas, and we encourage farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses in the region to attend this session.”
Featured speakers at the event will include Thomas County Economic Development, Colby Chamber of Commerce, Network Kansas, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Small Business Development Center, Norton County Economic Development, SureFire Ag Systems, USDA and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Representatives from the Kansas Department of Agriculture will be Billy Brown and Robin Blume.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture will also hold an additional workshop on March 24 in Marion.
KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. This workshop will provide support and assistance to help make Kansas businesses more successful.
To RSVP, email your name and workshop location to [email protected].
