USDA Invests in Cockeyed Farms to Boost Value Added Elderberry Products

(Alexandria, La., September 24, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Louisiana State Director Troy Romero today announced the agency is awarding a $200,000 grant to Cockeyed Farms to expand processing, marketing, and distribution of its American-grown elderberry products.

"As the first elderberry farm in Louisiana, Cockeyed Farms is already bringing innovation to our state's agricultural production," said Romero. "With this investment, and so many others like it, USDA is backing producers that put in the hard work to build new markets and create jobs in their rural communities."

Cockeyed Farms in Folsom grows and produces organic American elderberry, blueberries, and honey, processing them into high-quality products including shelf-stable goods. This investment will allow Cockeyed Farms to access new market opportunities, improve long-term sustainability, and grow its customer base. Ultimately, this project will help strengthen demand for American elderberries, improve farm profitability and support rural economic development.

This investment is made through USDA Rural Development's Value-Added Producer Grant Program which supports agricultural producers to develop value-added agricultural products, conduct market research, and implement business and marketing strategies. Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant program are typically accepted for processing from agricultural producers between January and May, depending on when program funding is allocated.

Learn more about funding opportunities and investments like this online at www.rd.usda.gov , subscribe for updates , and follow us on X at RD_Louisiana .

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