Council selects Montana Growth Through Agriculture projects – Next Application Deadline is July 31, 2010

The Montana Agriculture Development Council has offered funding totaling $182,874 to ten Growth Through Agriculture projects for agricultural development, according to council Chair David Tyler.

The Agriculture Development Council oversees the Growth Through Agriculture program, the source of funding the council uses for project investments. The goal of GTA is to provide financial assistance to develop new products or innovative ideas that enhance our state’s agricultural industry.

In the latest round, the council offered funding to:

— Bear Paw Development Corporation, Havre, $50,000 grant to assist with costs for testing, through Montana State University-Northern, of B20 biodiesel in a BNSF switch engine in an effort to reduce fuel emissions.

— Montana World Trade Center at the University of Montana, Missoula, $20,000 grant for a study to develop long haul freight cost efficiencies.

— Montana Food Products-Laurel, $40,000 grant to assist with the purchase of meat processing equipment.

— Eleanor’s Garden, LLC, relocating to Missoula, $30,000 grant to assist with the purchase of square foot gardening kits made in Montana for placement in 4th grade classrooms in conjunction with science curriculum.

— Montana CiderWorks, Sula, $18,145 grant to assist with the expansion costs of a cider-apple orchard for increased production of hard cider.

— Community Giving Assistance Toward Employment (GATE), Glendive, $7,150 grant to assist with facility repairs and equipment purchases for a commercial kitchen.

— Montana Hereford Association, Townsend, $5,350 grant to assist with coordinating a Hereford-influenced feeder calf sale for Montana cattle breeders.

— Department of Agriculture Organics Program, Helena, $6,410 grant to assist with the growth in applications under Montana’s organic certification program.

— Montana Cattlemen’s Association, Hot Springs, $4,641 grant to assist with traveling costs for a staff member to attend a business meeting with the Russian beef industry, which has expressed interest in purchasing Montana seed stock.

— Lewis and Clark Extension Office, Helena, $1,178 grant to assist with discussions of farm-to-table food production in Lewis and Clark County and the region, and to identify gaps in the system.

The Montana Agriculture Development Council heard presentations on 14 proposed projects at a scheduled business meeting held May 27 in Helena. Council members are: David Tyler of Belgrade, chair; Patricia Quisno of Harlem, vice-chair; Ervin Schlemmer of Joliet; Verges Aageson of Gildford; Bill Koenig of Kalispell; Ron de Yong, director of the Montana Department of Agriculture; Tony Preite, director of the Montana Department of Commerce.

The next deadline for project applications to the Growth Through Agriculture program is July 31, 2010.

For more information and application materials, contact Collin Watters, Growth Through Agriculture program manager, at the Montana Department of Agriculture, at (406) 444-2402 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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“Sustainable agriculture is a space that looks as big or bigger than clean tech” – Paul Matteucci – U.S. Venture Partners http://matr.net/article-39535.html

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Montana is a state rich in agriculture expertise and innovation and Paul Matteucci has a strong interest in seeing Montana’s economy improve.

How can we highlight the many agriculture innovations in the state and develop them into viable business models that can attract funding and support?

–Russ