MSU receives $1 million federal grant for agriculture center

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday that Montana State University will receive a $1 million grant to establish a center for agricultural innovation.

By Chronicle Staff

MSU competed for the one of the grants, which were awarded to universities and other agencies in 10 states, the USDA said in a press release.

The 2002 Farm Bill created the $10 million innovation program to help farmers develop new markets, enter global markets and add value to their agricultural products.

At MSU, the Montana Agriculture Innovation Center Consortium will provide support and technical assistance to farmers. The consortium includes local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses and buyers. It will assist in developing alternative crops, technologies, processes and markets.

The Bush administration, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Congressman Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., praised the USDA program and the selection of Montana State to participate.

Other recipients included Cornell University, Rutgers, Purdue and Michigan State.

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