Since 1999, the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), housed within the Missouri Department of Agriculture, has administered the Missouri Value-Added Agriculture Grant Program, which is used to foster new enterprises that will aid Missouri agricultural producers looking for new ways to increase farm income and in turn, benefit the state’s rural economy.

This funding can be used for business planning purposes such as feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans and legal assistance, but cannot be used for capital expenditures, salaries or operating funds.

The maximum individual grant is $200,000. This year’s grants ranged from $44,330 to $200,000, for a total of $342,043. The four grants were awarded to:

Asian Carp Processing Feasibility, Scott City– to fund a feasibility study to evaluate building a facility in Missouri to process Asian Carp for human consumption or other uses.

Central Missouri Soybean Processing Working Group, statewide – to fund a third party review of a producer-owned non-GMO soybean mechanical crush facility and prospectus development.

Missouri Agricultural Foundation, statewide– to fund a statewide economic feasibility study of food and beverage manufacturing opportunities in Missouri.

Gardener’s Orchard & Bakery, Brighton – to fund a marketing plan, business plan, and legal services focused on further processing opportunities for orchard crops.

MASBDA is now accepting applications for the Missouri Value-Added and Farm to Table grant programs. These programs are focused on adding value to Missouri’s agricultural products and aiding the economies of rural communities.

Grants for both programs are awarded on a competitive basis, and applications will be scored based on their economic development potential, credibility and merit, and source and level of matching funds. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and will be funded yearly in January and July.

For more information, complete guidelines and application format for both programs, visit https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/or contact MASBDA at masbda@mda.mo.gov or (573)751-2129.