Missouri Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grant Program

The Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grant Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), assists small agribusinesses operating in urban areas. Acceptable projects focus on growth and development of agribusinesses; development of production infrastructure or direct distribution venues; providing training and developing skills for agribusiness sustainability; and projects that demonstrate economic growth. Eligible project types include, but are not limited to, business plan development, marketing plans, feasibility studies, and community gardens. The program reimburses 75% of total eligible project expenditures, up to $10,000, and is a reimbursement-only grant: funds are released only after MDA receives paid invoices with proof of payment, confirms required registrations, and completes an inspection.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a grant award:

1. The applicant must be registered to do business in Missouri and in Good Standing with the Secretary of State, if applicable;

2. The applicant must complete and submit Form 943 to obtain a tax clearance certificate (valid for 90 days) from the Missouri Department of Revenue for each owner and the business;

3. The applicant must not employ illegal workers and must provide proof of enrollment in E-Verify; and

4. Prior to award reimbursement, the applicant must register as a vendor with the State of Missouri through the MissouriBUYS web portal.

5. Applicants must reside in one of these urban counties: https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/urban.php

Examples of eligible expenses:

• Equipment/Materials

• Business plan development

• Marketing

• Project-approved supplies

Examples of ineligible expenses:

• Food purchase

• Fuel expenses

• Salaries/payroll for employees

• Donations/contributions to fundraisers

• Supplies/expenses not previously approved

• Vehicles

• costs incurred through other MDA financial opportunities

The program reimburses 75% of total eligible project expenditures, up to a maximum of $10,000 per award; the remaining 25% is the applicant's required match. This is a reimbursement-only grant: funds are released only after MDA receives paid invoices with proof of payment, confirms all required registrations are complete, and conducts an on-site inspection.

The FY26 application period is closed (the application submission deadline was September 15, 2025). Grantees must register as a vendor with the State of Missouri via the MOVERS web portal and reach "Approved" status by December 1, 2025. The Reimbursement Request Form deadline is March 31, 2026. The Final Report & Documents deadline is May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. For questions about the program, contact Program Manager Taylor Adamek or the Ag Business Development Division at (573) 751-4762 or abd@mda.mo.gov; for questions about location eligibility, email grants@mda.mo.gov or call (573) 751-7794.

• Urban Ag Grant FAQs

• Urban Ag Grant Guidelines