Applications Being Accepted Now for Value-Added Agriculture Projects

The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced that the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority is now accepting applications for grants to assist farmers with business planning expenses for projects that develop, process, or market agricultural goods.

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and applications evaluated on their economic development potential for the agriculture industry, credibility and merit, probability of near-term commercialization and practical application of project results, source and level of matching funds and the geographic location of the project’s economic impact.

“Grants, like these for value-added agriculture, are important tools for Missouri’s producers and agribusinesses as they work to expand their operations and realize new opportunities,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “As Missouri agriculture continues to grow, our Department of Agriculture will lead the way in supporting our farmers’ innovations in production and processing technology and in the future of our industry.”

In 2011, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority awarded more than $1 million in grants to assist value-added agriculture.

Past projects have included feasibility studies for international exports, local meat processing and renewable energy, as well as waste management and agricultural processing. Projects funded in previous years have also included business plans. and marketing plans for locally produced dairy and poultry products, biomass pellets, compost products, and specialty grains.

The maximum individual grant is $200,000, with at least 10 percent of the available funding going to grant requests of $25,000 or less. Applicants are required to provide a 10 percent cash match toward eligible expenses, which do not include operating expenses, salaries or capital improvements.

These grants are funded through the purchase of tax credits and administered by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority board.

To read more click here and to download the application click here.

Applications must be received by MASBDA no later than 5:00 p.m. January 13, 2012. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. For more information on the program and complete guidelines, visit mda.mo.gov or contact MASBDA.