# USDA Awards Grant to Cockeyed Farms in Louisiana

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development awarded a **$200,000** Value-Added Producer Grant to Cockeyed Farms in Folsom, Louisiana, on September 24, 2026. This grant aims to expand the processing, marketing, and distribution of American-grown elderberry products, supporting rural economic development and farm profitability in the region.

- This funding opportunity highlights USDA Rural Development's focus on enhancing value-added agricultural products to stimulate rural economies.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on specialty crop processing and marketing, which may open avenues for suppliers and service providers in agricultural processing and distribution.
- Contractors and businesses in agricultural innovation and rural development can leverage similar grant programs to support product expansion and market access.
- The involvement of state-level USDA leadership, such as Louisiana State Director Troy Romero, underscores the importance of local engagement in federal rural development initiatives.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA Rural Development)

### Vendors
- Cockeyed Farms (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> As the first elderberry farm in Louisiana, Cockeyed Farms is already bringing innovation to our state’s agricultural production.
> — Troy Romero, Louisiana State Director

### Sources
- [USDA Invests in Cockeyed Farms to Boost Value Added Elderberry Products | Rural Development](https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-invests-cockeyed-farms-boost-value-added-elderberry-products) - USDA