NEWS RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                            From Congressman Bill Jenkins

September 30, 2004                                                                                                                                    Contact: Paul Mays (423) 247-8161  

       WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Bill Jenkins said this week that a $22,500 federal grant has been approved for use by the Farmers Education and Assistance Corporation. 

            Jenkins said the grant, from the Appalachian Regional Commission, will be used to aid the organization in the acquisition of network computer electronic equipment needed to establish a new website that will assist small farmers located in Upper East Tennessee to market their products more effectively. 

            “Small farmers in our region will be able to benefit from enhanced marketing information, new technologies to reduce waste, improved communication skills through the internet, and a variety of other services,” Jenkins commented. 

            In addition to the ARC funds, an additional $22,500 will be provided from local sources.  The contact person for the farmers group is Stephen Rice, 423-610-1101.

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