VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKET DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

SEC. 231. VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKET DEVELOPMENT GRANTS. (a) Grant Program.— (1) Establishment and purposes.—Of the amount made available under section 261(a)(2), $15,000,000 shall be used by the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible independent producers (as determined by the Secretary) of valueadded agricultural commodities and products of agricultural commodities to assist an eligible producer— (A) to develop a business plan for viable marketing opportunities for a value-added agricultural commodity or product of an agricultural commodity; or (B) to develop strategies for the ventures that are intended to create marketing opportunities for the producers. (2) Amount of grant.—The total amount provided under this subsection to a grant recipient may not exceed $500,000. (3) Producer strategies.—A producer that receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall use the grant— (A) to develop a business plan or perform a feasibility study to establish a viable marketing opportunity for a value-added agricultural commodity or product of an agricultural commodity; or (B) to provide capital to establish alliances or business ventures that allow the producer to better compete in domestic or international markets. (b) Agricultural Marketing Resource Center Pilot Project.— (1) Establishment.—Notwithstanding the limitation on grants in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall not use more than $5,000,000 of the funds made available under subsection (a) to establish a pilot project (to be known as the “Agricultural Marketing Resource Center”) at an eligible institution described in paragraph (2) that will— (A) develop a resource center with electronic capabilities to coordinate and provide to independent producers and processors (as determined by the Secretary) of value-114 STAT. 410 added agricultural commodities and products of agricultural commodities information regarding research, business, legal, financial, or logistical assistance; and (B) develop a strategy to establish a nationwide market information and coordination system. (2) Eligible institution.—To be eligible to receive funding to establish the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, an applicant shall demonstrate to the Secretary— (A) the capacity and technical expertise to provide the services described in paragraph (1)(A); (B) an established plan outlining support of the applicant in the agricultural community; and (C) the availability of resources (in cash or in kind) of definite value to sustain the Center following establishment. (c) Matching Funds.—A recipient of funds under subsection (a) or (b) shall contribute an amount of non-Federal funds that is at least equal to the amount of Federal funds received. (d) Limitation.—Funds provided under this section may not be used for— (1) planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or facility (including a processing facility); or (2) the purchase, rental, or installation of fixed equipment.