JASPER COUNTY, IND.
Six Northwest Indiana counties have partnered to launch a region-wide strategy to grow their agricultural economy, made possible by funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) READI 1.0 program. The initiative, known as the Ag Value Chain Strategy, started with looking at the Rural Economic Development Model in 2021. REDM is a first-of-its-kind process developed in Indiana to assist rural communities in creating new economic development opportunities for Indiana’s farmers.
Through a grant from US EDA, the partnering counties were able to examine their Agriculture Economic output.
“As rural counties, often the only economic development projects that are encouraged in our area involve large pieces of land. The land isn’t seen as someone’s business and livelihood. But the products rural counties
The counties of Benton, Jasper, Newton, Pulaski, Starke, and White are working collaboratively to strengthen regional food systems, attract value-added ag businesses, and expand economic opportunity for rural communities. Together, they were awarded $500,000 in READI funds to jumpstart the strategy.
“This partnership represents a powerful commitment by rural counties to shape their own economic future,” said Sara DeYoung, Grant Administrator for the Ag Strategy. “With READI’s support, we’re building capacity, connecting resources, and laying the groundwork for future agribusiness investment.”
JCEDO (Jasper County Economic Development Organization) is administering the grant on behalf of the region. The six-county team will be hiring an Ag Economic Development Specialist to guide strategy development and early implementation, which includes identifying shovel-ready ag park sites, building marketing materials, coordinating food systems and entrepreneurship workshops, and providing technical assistance for local businesses and site selectors.
“Indiana’s rural communities have incredible ag assets, but they need visibility and support to compete,” said Nathan Origer, Pulaski County LEDO. “This strategy brings focus and coordination to the table — and that’s a game-changer.”
Media Contact: Sara DeYoung, JCEDO Executive Director, KIRAG Grant Administrator
219-866-3080
or use our Contact Form