The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will host an Agribusiness Development Workshop on February 11, 2016 at the Belleville City Office, 1819 L St., Belleville, Kansas 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 972 jobs or 31 percent of the workforce in Republic 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 Belleville Chamber of Commerce/Main Street, Republic County Economic Development, Kansas Department of Commerce, Network Kansas, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Small Business Development Center, C&C High Tunnel Farms, Polansky Seed and USDA.

KDA will also hold additional workshops in the following areas: February 18 in Iola, March 3 in Dodge City, March 10 in Colby and 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 events@kda.ks.gov.