For Release: Tuesday, October 22, 2002
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

MEADOWBROOK FARMS RECEIVES USDA GRANT

Washington -- U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that Meadowbrook Farms Cooperative, located in Belleville, has received a $500,000 Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development. The funds will be used to develop and implement an identity preservation and carcass tracking system.

"Independent producers contribute greatly to our economy," said Costello. "This grant will help Meadowbrook Farms become more efficient and offer consumers a better, safer product."

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