AGRI Value-Added Grant

The AGRI Value-Added Grant offers designated grants for value-added businesses (including bioenergy producers and hemp processors) to invest in equipment. The program is intended to increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products by investing in production capacity, market diversification, and market access for value-added products. Apply by October 23, 2024.

For the purposes of this grant, “value-added” is defined as the addition of value to an agricultural product through processing.

Eligibility and funding priorities

Eligible applicants include:Individuals
Farmers
Businesses
Agricultural cooperatives
Nonprofit organizations
Educational institutions
Local governments
Tribal governments

We will prioritize projects that:Increase food safety
Increase hemp fiber production capacity
Amount available

In fiscal year (FY) 2025, we expect to award $2.5 million through the AGRI Value-Added and AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk (MPEM) Grants. Of this amount, at least $1.17 million is set aside for meat, poultry, egg, and milk processing businesses.
Cash match

This grant requires a cash match. For the match:You are responsible for 50% of the first $50,000 to receive up to a $25,000 reimbursement.
For costs after the first $50,000, you are responsible for 75% of the total remaining cost to receive 25% reimbursement, up to a maximum grant award of $150,000.
Example:You are working on a project that is expected to cost $400,000.
We will reimburse $25,000 of the first $50,000 of expenses. After that, you would be eligible for $87,500 in grant reimbursement from the State and would have to contribute the remaining $262,500.
In total, you would be eligible for $112,500 from the State and you would pay for the other $287,500.

https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-value-added-grant-program

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.