August 06, 2013
Brunswick Farm Awarded Missouri Value-Added Grant
The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced that Harvey's Pecans of Brunswick has been awarded $29,700 in grant funding to assist them in expanding their pecan operation as well as opportunities for other pecan producers. The funding comes from the Missouri Value-Added Grant Program, which provides grants for projects that advance the development of Missouri agricultural products while aiding the economy of a rural community.
"These grants do more than just help expand businesses, they provide Missouri producers with the tools to add value to their agricultural products and the rural communities which support them," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "Missouri's small agri-business owners have been invaluable in growing Missouri's agriculture economy and ensuring the continued success of Missouri agriculture."
The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) awarded the grant to partially finance marketing assistance and legal planning services to aid in expanding the Missouri native pecan business. An additional focus of Harvey's Pecans is to provide management assistance to other local pecan grove owners, allowing them to capture more value from their nut crops.
The company has been exploring ways to capture more value from the area's native pecan crop and make more consumers aware of this locally grown, high-quality nut. "Northern" pecans are known for their smaller size as well as their rich flavor stemming from their higher oil content, distinguishing them from the nation's southern-grown pecans.
This is one of 12 value-added grants awarded by MASBDA, for 2013. This year's grants ranged from $17,000 to $198,000, for a total of $808,838 awarded, all with the goal of fostering new enterprises that will aid rural economic development. Applications for the 2013 grants were due to MASBDA in December 2012.
The grants are funded from the sale of tax credits and can be used for business planning purposes, such as feasibility studies and marketing plans. The maximum individual grant is $200,000, with the applicant required to provide a 10 percent cash match toward the eligible expenses. Recipients must also provide quarterly reports to MASBDA throughout their grant period.
For more information on the Missouri Value-Added Grant Program and other MASBDA programs call (573) 751-2129, email masbda@mda.mo.gov or visit the Department of Agriculture's website, mda.mo.gov.