The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will host an Agribusiness Development Workshop on March 3, 2016, at the High Plains Journal, 1500 E Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City, Kan., from 1:00-5:00 p.m. This workshop will provide Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses with resources, current business development and organizational contacts to assist with start-ups or expansions.

 The KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing received a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant to help fund this workshop.

 Established in the 2014 Farm Bill, USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant is a program intended to help with technical assistance, training and other activities to allow small businesses in rural areas to expand.

 “Agriculture, food and food processing accounts for 11,345 jobs or 50 percent of the workforce in Ford County,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey. “With more information and education, Kansas’ small and rural agribusinesses will be better prepared to serve as economic engines for rural Kansas, and we encourage farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses in the region to attend this session.”

 Featured speakers at the event will include Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Department of Commerce, Network Kansas, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Small Business Development Center, USDA, Culinary Incubator at Elk Plaza, Red Tractor and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

 The Kansas Department of Agriculture will also hold additional agribusiness development workshops in the following areas: March 10 in Colby and March 24 in Marion.

 KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. This workshop will provide support and assistance to help make Kansas businesses more successful.

 To RSVP, email your name and workshop location to events@kda.ks.gov.