Arizona winery gets federal grant of nearly $70K for expansion

PHOENIX — Southeastern Arizona winery Tirrito Farm is receiving $68,940 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture so it is able to expand its size and operations.

The small business located in Willcox was founded by Sal and Yuri Tirrito. In addition to wine, it offers farm-grown food, a variety of spirits from its microbrewery, a coffee bar called Beehive Cafe and overnight suites and glamping domes.

The investment is being made possible by USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant program, which exists to help for-profit agricultural businesses “generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income,” according to a press release.

Businesses were able to start applying for the grant on Feb. 17 and the deadline is April 22.

Lori Urban, USDA Rural Development Arizona state director, said the federal agency is “honored” to lend aid to Tirrito Farm.

“This grant will support their vineyard and enable the expansion of their business,” Urban said. “At USDA, we recognize that small business owners are vital to the prosperity of our economy.”

In addition to the funding, the program has “a 100 percent grant match,” which enables businesses to inject their own funding without risk.

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