News Release

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) is now accepting applications for grants to assist farmers with business planning expenses for projects that develop, process or market agricultural goods. 

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and applications will be scored based on their economic development potential for the agriculture industry, credibility and merit, probability of near-term commercialization and practical application of project results, source and level of matching funds and the likelihood of a project’s near-term success.  

“By offering value-added agriculture grants, the Department continues to play a part in encouraging innovative agriculture practices,” said Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce. “Enhancing marketing and processing methods of Missouri’s commodities provides opportunities for advancement and growth in Missouri.”

Earlier this year, MASBDA awarded more than $125,000 in grants to assist producers and agribusinesses explore ways to add value to their agriculture products.   

Past projects have included feasibility studies for freshwater shrimp production, biomass pellets and bio-based building materials.  Projects funded in previous years have also included business plans and marketing plans for meat processing, canned vegetables, tree nuts and on-farm dairy processing.

The maximum individual grant is $200,000.  Applicants are required to provide a 10 percent cash match toward eligible expenses, which do not include operating expenses, salaries, or capital improvements. These grants are funded by contributions made to MASBDA through the purchase of tax credits. 

Applications must be submitted to MASBDA by 5 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 29, 2014.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  For more information on the program and complete guidelines, visit agriculture.mo.gov or contact MASBDA at masbda@mda.mo.gov or (573) 751-2129.