The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced grants totaling nearly $4 million to support over two dozen farms, small businesses, and educational institutions in the state. The Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture, funded by the Missouri General Assembly, aim to enhance economic value in agriculture and assist farmers with the production of value-added items.
These grants address the costs associated with producing value-added agricultural products, which undergo processing to command higher prices in the market. By supporting businesses and institutions engaged in creating value-added items such as pickles, jerky, and jams, the grants help increase market value for farmers.
The Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants program encompasses five different grant categories. The recipients include a diverse range of businesses and institutions, such as wineries, meat processors, dairy farms, rice companies, distilleries, and more. Higher education institutions, including Missouri State University and the University of Central Missouri, received grants to provide learning opportunities for farmers interested in expanding their value-added product offerings.
Other grants focus on reimbursement for technical assistance, hiring and training costs, and cost offsets for value-added food processing and food safety services. The program supports the growth of agricultural businesses, encourages innovation, and equips farmers with the knowledge and resources to enhance the value of their products.
These grants not only benefit individual recipients but also contribute to the overall economic development and sustainability of Missouri's agriculture industry, strengthening its position in the market.
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Categories: Missouri, Business