Missouri Urban Agriculture Matching Grant Program

The Urban Agriculture Matching Grant Program, funded through the Missouri Department of Agriculture, awards grants of up to $20,000 for reimbursement of expenses associated with urban agriculture. Urban agriculture encompass urban agricultural projects, which may include introducing a new crop or product to an area, expanding the use of or adding value to agricultural products. Projects should assist the development of small agribusinesses, production infrastructure, direct distribution venues and workforce development. Projects that demonstrate an economic benefit and potential for sustainable revenue generation and job creation will be given priority.

This is a competitive grant program and funds may be used to:

• Develop small agribusinesses and implement production infrastructure, direct distribution venues and agricultural workforce development.

• Provide training and develop skills for agricultural business sustainability.

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:

   • Cape Girardeau

   • Columbia

   • Jefferson City

   • Joplin

   • Kansas City

   • Lee's Summit

   • Springfield

   • St. Joseph

   • St. Louis

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

• Applicant must provide at minimum a $0.25:$1 match for the project

• Matching funds can be a combination of in-kind and cash.

• Cash match must be greater than 50% of total match.

Applications may be submitted to:

Missouri Department of Agriculture – Urban Agriculture Matching Grants

Ag Business Development

Attn: Whitney Williams

P.O. Box 630

Jefferson City, MO 65102

FAX: (573) 751-2868

Or electronically to:

AgGrants@mda.mo.gov

• FY2023 Urban Agriculture Matching Grant – Application