FOOD & AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT CENTER
As a Food & Agricultural Development Center, Headwaters is part of a statewide network that provides assistance in food and value-added agricultural product development, marketing, and farm-based energy development. With centers in Joliet, Havre, Ronan, Bozeman, Greatfalls, Wolf Point and Butte, the network focuses on adding value to existing agricultural resources within Montana.
We work to support economic development by ensuring that more of the state’s food, agricultural and energy dollars circulate in Montana by keeping more of our agricultural products within the state by processing them locally.
Here at Headwaters, our services and expertise include:
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Educational and training workshops
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Revolving and micro loan funds
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Business plan assistance
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Financial and market assistance
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Food system research and analysis
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Renewable energy, including biomass
Additional training, coaching and technical assistance provided by the network, include:
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Product development, testing and analysis
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Regulatory compliance training
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Food processing
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Business planning and development
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Market research
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Business networking
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Access to financing
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Cooperative development
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Education on industry dynamics and technologies
For more information please contact:
Jessica Pendleton
Director, Food & Ag Development Center
406-533-6781
Samantha Motzko
SCBG Program Director
406-533-6784
We need your input!
Headwaters RC&D Small Business Development Center and Food and Ag. Development Center want to bring valuable resources to small business owners and individuals in Southwest Montana.
Please take a moment to tell us what topics and trainings you would like to see us host in this upcoming year. We will use this information to help us seek out various qualified presenters to bring to you.
Take the Survey:
https://forms.gle/FhiW3X1QeDJZKVU49
OUR PARTNERS
RESOURCES
The department offers the following grant and loan opportunities for agriculture-related enterprises. Contact MDA for application assistance, or to request information about additional programs and opportunities.
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Commodity Crop Development Programs are available for Alfalfa Seed, Pulse Crops (Peas, Lentils & Chickpeas), Potatoes, and Wheat & Barley.
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The Alfalfa Seed Program, established under the Alfalfa Seed Industry Act, provides direction for research and marketing toward the continued growth of the alfalfa seed industry of Montana. The program is directed by the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee.
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The Pulse Crop Research & Market Development Program provides support for pea, lentil and chickpea production. It is funded by industry fees and led by the Pulse Crop Advisory Council.
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The Potato Research & Market Development Program is funded by industry and led by the Montana Potato Advisory Committee.
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The Montana Wheat & Barley Committee (MWBC) administers research and marketing activities for Montana small grain crops. The MWBC is funded by a producer checkoff and guided by a Board of Directors made up of producers from around the state.
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Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) offers investments for new and innovative agribusiness developments or agriculture marketing programs. The Agriculture Development Council, which consists of representatives from industry and government, reviews applications and selects successful projects for GTA investments.
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Junior Agriculture Loans assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects when funding is unavailable from other sources. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing, processing and other financially feasible projects.
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Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grants were established by the 1985 Montana Legislature to provide funding for the development and implementation of weed management programs. The trust fund also supports research and development of innovative weed management techniques including biological controls, and funds research and education projects.
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Rural Assistance Loans are available to producers with modest financial investments in agriculture. These loans finance agricultural enterprises to enhance producers' operations and assist in the economic growth and welfare of Montana agriculture.
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Beginning Farm & Ranch Loans are available from a tax-exempt bond program that aids financial institutions in assisting Montana's beginning farmers and ranchers. Loans can be used to purchase agricultural land and other depreciable agricultural property.
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State Tax Deduction for Sale of Agricultural Land : Sellers of agricultural land may obtain up to $50,000 in state tax-deductions against capital gains and other earnings associated with the sale of land to a qualified beginning farmer or rancher if it complies with other statutory requirements. The deduction may be claimed over several years against state taxes only, but may not exceed the maximum amount of $50,000. Download the Application Form for a State Tax Deduction for Sale of Agricultural Land.
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Specialty Crop Block Grants offer grant funds to Montana's specialty crop industry solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana: fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Funds are provided from the federal USDA Farm Bill.
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE NEWSLETTER
UPCOMING EVENTS
Governors Conference on Tourism
April 23-25
The Governor’s Conference on Tourism is Montana’s annual gathering of private and public sector partners in the tourism industry. This year, the conference will offer some broad topic keynote speakers on resiliency and sustainability, storytelling, social media strategies, and the power of tourism. Breakout sessions are being designed to offer content that is geared 50 percent to tourism businesses and 50 percent to tourism-related organizations and communities. Pricing: $299 Registration link: mttourismconference.regfox.com Follow the Montana Conference on Tourism Facebook page for conference updates:
www.facebook.com/MTConferenceonTourism
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Renewable Energy for America Program grant (REAP)
Award Amounts: $25,000-$250,000
Applications Due: March 31, 2023
Purpose: This USDA Program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. Examples of eligible projects include: Energy efficiency - updating insulation, lighting, HVAC, doors, and windows, switching from diesel to electric irritation motors. Renewable energy systems - biomass, geothermal for electric generation, wind generation, solar generation.
More Information: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans
Renewable Energy for America Program grant (REAP)
Award Amounts: Up to $250,000 working capital
Applications Due: May 11, 2023
Purpose: The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. You may receive priority if you are: Beginning farmer or rancher. Socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher. Small or medium-sized farm. Ranch structured as a family farm. Farmer or rancher cooperative. Proposing a mid-tier value chain.
More Information: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants
Reimbursement Available for Businesses Implementing Cybersecurity Measures
Award Amounts: $8,000
Applications Due: May 30, 2023
Purpose: The Montana Department of Commerce has launched the Montana Cybersecurity Program to provide much-needed awareness for the importance of strong cybersecurity and monitoring, as well as the need for training to protect Montana’s businesses. Small to medium-sized Montana businesses can receive up to $8,000 in reimbursement for newly implemented cybersecurity measures paid to an accredited Montana cybersecurity company. Cyberattacks happen to all businesses, but small to medium-sized businesses are becoming more frequently targeted. This new program would provide funds to directly assist small to medium-sized businesses with cybersecurity monitoring and security. The Montana Department of Commerce has allocated approximately $2 million for this purpose.
More Information: https://arpa.mt.gov/Economic
Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) Business Acceleration Program (BAP)
Award Amounts: $20,000
Applications Due: Rolling
Purpose: Fund projects still in early expansionary phase of development. Support startup businesses in minimizing time to profitability. Offer expanding businesses the ability to establish groundwork for capital expenditure Accelerate new, innovative products up to commercialization.
More Information: https://agr.mt.gov/GTA
Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) Market Development Program (MDP)
Award Amounts: $5,000
Applications Due: Rolling
Purpose: Help businesses access and develop new and existing markets. Support businesses in overcoming market barriers. Expand businesses’ digital/web offerings, including e-commerce. Allow businesses to showcase products in domestic and international tradeshows and competitions.
More Information: https://agr.mt.gov/GTA