The Rural Development Division, Agriculture Marketing, works to improve the economic condition of Kansas producers and rural communities. The Division provides a range of financial and technical assistance to agricultural businesses by working with Kansas agriculture producers, lenders, educators and researchers to innovatively capture value from raw commodities. The Division also assists producers in creating alliances and cooperatives to take advantage of market opportunities and economies of scale.

Agriculture Value Added Loan Program

The Agriculture Value Added Loan Program is a low-interest loan program available to agricultural producers, entrepreneurs and existing companies that are adding value to agricultural products through further processing or marketing techniques. The program covers three areas: value added agriculture; agritourism attraction development; and diversified farm and specialty production. 

Agritourism Vendor Assistance

Agritourism operators who register with the State are eligible for a variety of benefits, including agritourism scholarships to help pay for educational seminars, marketing assistance and a tax credit to help offset liability insurance.  Registered vendors are also listed on the State’s tourism site, TravelKS.com.

International Trade Assistance

The Division promotes Kansas agricultural products globally by conducting trade missions to target countries and coordinating itineraries for foreign buying teams. Division staff offers importer lists and access to databases and foreign market analysis data, as well as technical information regarding livestock shipment, health regulations, payment terms and other exportation requirements.

Kansas Product Pavilions

Division staff sponsors pavilions at major domestic food shows to assist Kansas processed food companies in promoting their products to a national and international audience.

For More Information

For more information about programs and assistance available through the Agriculture Marketing Division, contact the Division at (785) 296-3737 or ruraldev@kansascommerce.com.