Applications open for Missouri value-added agriculture, farm-to-table grant programs

The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced Oct. 21 that the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority has opened two grant programs that add value to Missouri agricultural products and aid rural economies.

The Value-Added Agriculture Grant can be used for business-planning purposes such as feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans and legal assistance.

The Missouri Value-Added Agriculture “Farm to Table” Grant Program provides funding to Missouri small businesses and agricultural producers for purchasing resources to process locally grown agricultural products to be used in schools and institutions within the state.

“Opportunities to add value to Missouri agriculture products is a great way to expand our already diverse and vibrant agriculture industry,” said MDA Director Chris Chinn. “We are excited to offer these opportunities for Missouri farms and agribusinesses to help take their operation to the next level and create an additional revenue stream.”

Both grants offer maximum individual awards of $200,000 and will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Applications will be scored based on their economic-development potential for the agriculture industry, credibility, merit, probability of near-term commercialization, practical application of project results, source and level of matching funds, as well as the geographic location of the project’s economic impact.

These grants are funded by contributions made to MASBDA through the purchase of tax credits.

Past awarded value-added projects have included feasibility studies, marketing plans and business plans for elderberry products, soybean processing, biofuel, wood pellets, dairy products and more.

Past awarded farm-to-table projects have included the purchase of equipment for meat processing for institutional sales, as well as professional services to assist in processing produce for school and institutional sales.

Applications must be received by MASBDA no later than 3 p.m. Central time Dec. 15.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

For more information on the program and complete guidelines, visit the MASBDA website or call 573-751-2129.