Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded grants to four New Mexican businesses.

"In these difficult economic times, it's extremely important to support small New Mexico businesses, and help them grow," Bingaman stated.  "These grants are a great investment in our state."

The following New Mexico businesses will receive grant funding through the USDA:

• $150,000 Shepherd's Lamb, LLC:  Funds will be used for working capital. Shepherd's Lamb LLC raises organic lamb that is sold through both retail and direct markets. The new venture will develop "green products from either their wool or raw hides to become a more integrated operation, meaning no use of chemicals or soaps in the processing of these products
• $113,000 – Sunland Nursery Company:  Funds will be used for working capital to locally produce organically grown herbs throughout the State of New Mexico
• $42,000 – Red Willow Community Growers Group Cooperative:  Funds will be used to develop a branding strategy and marketing plan for specialty food products grown locally on Taos Pueblo
• $12,500 – Milk and Honey Soap, LLC:  Funding will be used to manufacture, sell, and market handmade artesian soaps and lotions bars.  Milk and Honey Soap, LLC plans to expand form a local, direct-to-customer operation to a wholesale venture.