News Release

Today, the Missouri Department of Agriculture announced that Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) grants are available 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 evaluated 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 geographic location of the project's economic impact.

"We continue to look for new ways to help Missouri's farmers get ahead," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "This assistance can play a large role as producers seek innovative ways to grow their existing operations and develop new projects on their farms."

Past projects have included feasibility studies for international exports, local meat processing and renewable energy, as well as waste management and agricultural processing. Projects funded in previous years have also included new uses for fruit crops, a technical demand study for biomass markets and the development of business plans for agribusinesses.

The maximum individual grant is $200,000, with at least 10 percent of the available funding going to grant requests of $25,000 or less. Applicants are required to provide a 10 percent cash match toward eligible expenses, which do not include operating expenses, salaries, or capital improvements.

Applications must be received by MASBDA no later than 5:00 p.m. January 28, 2011. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. For more information on the program and complete guidelines, visit mda.mo.gov or contact MASBDA at masbda@mda.mo.gov.