Press Release

Commerce Department Investment Boosts Organic Agribusiness Sector in Wisconsin

May 25, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

Village of La Farge to Spur Job Creation

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $990,286 grant to the Village of La Farge, Wisconsin to make infrastructure improvements needed to support the region's emerging organic agribusiness industry. The project is expected to create 40 jobs and generate $4.6 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"This EDA grant will help the region create new jobs by expanding the organic farming sector," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This new economic growth will help the region rebound economically from the 2008 floods."

"As the heart of the nation's organic farming industry, the EDA investment supports the Village's capacity to accommodate the anticipated growth from its key industries and looks to provide a development ready environment for new industry," said Steve Donovan, Village President of the Village of La Farge.

The EDA investment will help build a roadway extension, street lights, sanitary, storm, and water mains to serve a facility being built by Organic Valley Family of Farms and will help rehab a water reservoir and upgrade a waste water sewage treatment plant.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):

This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.