Applications due by Tuesday, October 6th, 2015
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Dave Frederickson and the state’s Department of Agriculture are accepting applications for a series of grants aimed at adding value to agriculture within the state.
There’s nearly $1 million in grant money available to be used for different initiatives, including:
- Starting, expanding or updating livestock product processing
- Purchasing equipment to start, upgrade or modernize a business
- Increasing food safety on farms
- Increasing capacity to sell to schools, hospitals and others
- Increasing the use and processing of agricultural products that come from Minnesota
Past recipients say the grants have helped their businesses evolve and be successful.
“We have seen a 10 percent increase in our sales to date, but expecting that to double in six months thanks to the project completed with the grant money,” said grant recipient Cody Koebke of Ody’s Country Meats and Catering.
The grants will reimburse up to 25% of the total project’s cost with a maximum of $150,000 and minimum of $1,000. Purchasing equipment and upgrading facilities are also eligible. Projects aimed at meat processing, Farm to School initiatives or those that address Good Agricultural Practices or other food safety issues will be held as a higher priority.
Applications are due by Tuesday, October 6th, 2015 and must include information including a description of the project, work plans and financial outlines.
Join the conversation and tell us if you’d consider applying for a grant. What kind of project would you use the money for?