MDA Value Added Agriculture Grants

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will be awarding up to $2.5 million in Value Added Grants. This is a competitive grant program with the goal of "diversifying markets, increasing market access and increasing food safety of value added products."  "Farmers or business, agricultural cooperatives and local government agencies can apply, as long as their projects meet our criteria and help increase the sales of Minnesota's agricultural products" said MDA Grants Specialist Julianne LaClair.

Grant funds will reimburse up to 25 percent of the total project cost. Level 1 projects will have a maximum award of $200,000 and minimum of $1,000. Level 2 the maximum is $1,000,000 and minimum of $2,000,001. Level 2 projects must also provide a significant economic impact to the state or region. Grant applications must be received by 4:00 pm Friday march 9, 2018. There is a link on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture web site or call Alauna Yust at 651-201-6629. In addition you can email Alauna at: alauna.yust@state.mn.us if you would like more information.