MDA Requests Value-Added Grant Proposals

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the competitive AGRI Value-Added Grant Program. The MDA anticipates awarding up to $2.5 million in this round of proposals.

The aim of the Value-Added Grant is to increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products by diversifying markets, increasing market access, and increasing food safety of value-added products through equipment purchases and facility improvements.

New or established for-profit businesses can apply for funding to support start-up, expansion, and updates; develop the processing and aggregating capacity of farmers selling to institutions; and increase food safety.

Grant funds reimburse up to 25 percent of the overall project cost. Funding under this round will come at two levels. Level 1 projects will have a maximum award of $200,000 and a minimum of $1,000. Level 2 projects will have a maximum award of $1,000,000 and a minimum of $200,001. Level 2 projects will be subject to Minnesota's Prevailing Wage Requirements.

Applications must be received no later than Friday, March 8, 2019 at 4 p.m. CST. Applications are available on the Value-Added Grant Program website and may be submitted online (preferred), by mail, or in-person.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program supports the advancement of Minnesota's agricultural and renewable energy industries. AGRI has made significant economic impacts by supporting jobs, increasing productivity, improving efficiency, and assisting in the development of agricultural products. For more information about all the grants available through this program, visit the MDA website http://www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/agri.