Gov. Blagojevich Announces $240,000 for Innovative Agribusiness Ventures

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich awarded $240,000 in Opportunity Returns grants today to promote agricultural innovation and help create new jobs in rural communities across Illinois. The projects, funded through the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s AgriFIRST program, include a feasibility study to find new uses for a by-product of biodiesel production, the construction of a greenhouse to launch an organic, hydroponic tomato operation and the expansion of a livestock processing facility.

“Illinois is a leading, worldwide producer of food and fiber because of our agriculture industry’s ability to react to marketplace changes and quickly adopt new technologies,” Gov. Blagojevich said. “These grants will help fund the development of new agricultural products and innovative production practices that will keep the industry competitive, growing and creating better jobs for more people.”

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