INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is now accepting matching grant applications to help grow the Hoosier livestock sector.

This funding is available to non-profit organizations, commissions and associations in the following livestock species: cattle, swine, sheep, equine, goats, poultry, camelids, ostriches, cervidae, bison, aquaculture and rabbits.

“As an advocate for agriculture, we are proud to make these funds available to promote and educate Hoosiers about the importance of our livestock industry,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I encourage organizations in these sectors to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

These grants can be used for promotional purposes, like hosting an educational event or livestock show, or for market development, such as a research project or value-added feasibility study.

Both grants will reimburse up to 50 percent of the amount spent to conduct or support the project.

“Animal agriculture is critical to Indiana’s food system and contributes billions of dollars to our economy,” said Bruce Kettler, ISDA director. “This funding creates opportunities to not only tell that story, but also explore ways to add value to our agricultural products.”

Livestock Grant Applications are available at www.in.gov/isda/2474.htm and are due by Oct. 1, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. Award winners will be announced this December.

Visit www.isda.in.gov to learn more about ISDA.