The AGRI Value-Added Grant offers designated grants for value-added businesses (including bioenergy producers and hemp processors) to invest in equipment. The program is intended to increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products by investing in production capacity, market diversification, and market access for value-added products.
For the purposes of this grant, “value-added” is defined as the addition of value to an agricultural product through processing.
Eligibility and funding priorities
Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals
- Farmers
- Businesses
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Non-profit organizations
- Educational institutions
- Local governments
- Tribal governments
We will prioritize projects that:
- Increase food safety
- Increase hemp fiber production capacity
- Are improvements for operations owned by individuals in historically underserved communities or for businesses that reflect historically underserved communities in the operation’s priorities
Amount available
We expect to award $3 million through the AGRI Value-Added and Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk (MPEM) Grants. Of this amount, at least $1.25 million will be awarded for projects impacting meat, poultry, egg, and milk processors.
Cash match
This grant requires a cash match. For the match:
- You are responsible for 50% of the first $50,000 to receive up to a $25,000 reimbursement.
- For costs after the first $50,000, you are responsible for 75% of the total remaining cost to receive 25% reimbursement, up to a maximum grant award of $150,000.
Example:
- You are working on a project that is expected to cost $400,000.
- We will reimburse $25,000 of the first $50,000 of expenses. After that, you would be eligible for $87,500 from the state and would have to contribute the remaining $262,500.
- In total, you would be eligible for $112,500 from the state and you would pay for the other $287,500.
|
Project Cost |
Grant Reimbursement |
Your Cost |
|
First $50,000 |
$25,000 |
$25,000 |
|
Remaining $350,000 |
$87,500 |
$262,500 |
|
Total Cost: $400,000 |
$112,500 |
$287,500 |
Applying
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, October 12, 2023.
- Carefully read the full Value-Added Request for Proposals (PDF) for eligibility and requirements. You can also view the list of past projects or request a copy of an application to help you prepare.
- Apply online.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you are logged in, select “AGRI Value-Added Grant.”
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
Relationship to the AGRI MPEM Grant
We’re running the fiscal year (FY) 2024 AGRI Value-Added and MPEM grants as a single program with two application tracks. You may only apply through one of the programs.
If you are a value-added business, we encourage you to use the Value-Added Grant application as it is tailored to your business.
