The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Value-Added Grant Program. The MDA anticipates awarding up to $1 million using a competitive review process.
The intent of the program is to increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products by investing in production capacity, market diversification, and market access for value-added products. For-profit businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and local governments may apply for funding to purchase equipment or to conduct feasibility studies.
Grant funds reimburse up to 25% of the total project cost. The maximum equipment award is $150,000, and the minimum award is $1,000. The maximum feasibility study award is $25,000, and the minimum award is $1,000. Grant details, including eligibility, are explained in the request for proposals. There will only be one round of funding this fiscal year.
Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. CST on Thursday, January 23, 2020, in order to be considered for funding. We prefer that applicants submit proposals through our online application system. Full grant details are available at the AGRI Value-Added Grant website https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-value-added-grant-program. Funding for the grants was established through the AGRI Program to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy industries.