Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Missouri Department of Agriculture (MODA)

Apply through MASBDA at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

MASBDA

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority administers the Agribusiness Revolving Loan Fund, financing provided in part by the USDA Rural Development's Intermediary Relending Program, for qualifying agribusinesses.



Qualifying entities include businesses that add value (through processing, packaging, further processing, etc.) to agricultural products, agriculture support businesses, agricultural product marketers/retailers, and businesses developing emerging agricultural technology. Applicants must operate in Missouri communities under 50,000 residents and be U.S. citizens or legal residents.

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

First lien position: finances up to 75% of project costs, maximum $112,500. Second lien position: finances up to 50% of project costs, maximum $75,000. Interest rate is 6 percent fixed. Funds support business construction, expansion, land/equipment purchases, startup costs, working capital, and pollution control — excluding agricultural production, ownership transfers, and lending/insurance institutions. A $100 non-refundable application fee plus closing costs apply.

- Beginning Farmer Loan Program Guidelines
- Beginning Farmer Loan Program Application

The Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority administers a program that enables lenders to receive federally tax-exempt interest on loans made to beginning farmers. The tax savings are passed on to beginning farmers in the form of lower interest rates. A qualified borrower can borrow up to $682,700 to buy:

- agricultural land

- farm buildings

- farm equipment

- and breeding livestock

The maximum loan is $682,700. Of this amount, depreciable agricultural property may not exceed $250,000, with a limit of $62,500 for used depreciable property.



The Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority administers a program that enables lenders to receive federally tax-exempt interest on loans made to beginning farmers. The tax savings are passed on to beginning farmers in the form of lower interest rates. A qualified borrower can borrow up to $682,700 to buy:
- agricultural land
- farm buildings
- farm equipment
- and breeding livestock
The maximum loan is $682,700. Of this amount, depreciable agricultural property may not exceed $250,000, with a limit of $62,500 for used depreciable property.

- Borrowers must be legal Missouri residents at least 18 years old
- Borrower must be able to provide proof of citizenship, identity and legal Missouri residence. If the borrower employs laborers, he/she must also provide proof of enrollment and participation in the federal work authorization program.
- The project must be located within Missouri
- The borrower must have adequate working capital and experience in the type of farming operation for which the loan is sought
- The beginning farmer is one who has not owned, either directly or indirectly, more than 30 percent of the median size of a farm in the county
- After the loan is closed, the borrower’s chief occupation must be farming or ranching, gross farm income must exceed any off-farm income (spouse’s off-farm income does not count in determining eligibility)
- Individuals in partnerships are eligible for loans if all partners meet the eligibility requirements

Borrowers qualifying for the Beginning Farmer Loan Program may also qualify for the Missouri FIRST Program administered by the state treasurer’s office. The Missouri FIRST Program makes funds available at reduced interest rates to lenders who in turn pass the savings along to agricultural borrowers. To find out more about the Missouri FIRST Program, call the state treasurer’s office at (573) 751-2372 or visit their website at www.treasurer.mo.gov. Borrowers may also qualify for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Down Payment Loan Program and Joint Financing Plan for further reduction of interest.

Historically Underserved

A qualified borrower can borrow up to $682,700 to purchase agricultural land, farm buildings, farm equipment, and breeding livestock. The maximum loan is $682,700. Of this amount, depreciable agricultural property may not exceed $250,000, with a limit of $62,500 for used depreciable property.
The terms of the loan are negotiated by the lender and borrower.

Contact the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture provides direct loans through the Agriculture Development Fund to support the production, processing and marketing needs of an alternative agricultural enterprise.



Eligible applicants are legal Missouri residents at least 14 years old with projects located in Missouri. Applicants must demonstrate proof of citizenship, identity, and legal residency; if employing laborers, proof of federal work-authorization enrollment is required.

Marketing

Maximum loan amount is $20,000 at a 6.0% interest rate with a maximum 5-year term and semi-annual payments. Eligible projects represent agricultural innovation, including horticulture, aquaculture, apiaries, tree farming, fee hunting areas, landscaping services, organic production, value-added processing, and farm mechanics for FFA/4-H students. A non-refundable $100 application fee applies and the borrower is responsible for closing costs.

Contact MASBDA at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

This MASBDA program finances animal waste treatment systems for eligible producers at below-market rates. Loan proceeds may be used to finance 100% of the cost of an eligible animal waste treatment system, including storage structures, equipment, fencing, irrigation systems, and related infrastructure.



Eligible borrowers are independent livestock and poultry producers whose operations produce fewer than 1,000 animal units, with NRCS Certification. Borrowers must be Missouri residents or businesses operating within the state and must demonstrate adequate cash flow and debt-to-asset ratios.

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

Irrigation

Storage

Waste & Compost

Nutrient Management

Infrastructure

Disaster Relief

Emergency

No dollar limit (100% financing available, minus other grants). Interest rate 5.02% fixed. Term up to 10 years (not to exceed the expected useful life of the financed equipment). Application fee $150 (non-refundable); participation fee 1.5% of loan amount (minimum $250).

The Missouri Beginning Farmer Tax Deduction Program allows farm owners who sell farmland to beginning farmers on or after August 28, 2023, to subtract from their Missouri adjusted gross income an amount equal to the portion of capital gains received. It is administered by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA).



Farm owners must dispose of farmland through a sale to a beginning farmer, a lease/rental (10 years or less), or a crop-share arrangement (10 years or less). Beginning farmers qualify if they have filed 1–10 Schedule F forms since age 18, obtained USDA beginning farmer loans, operate new production agriculture, or are qualified family members (related within the fourth degree).

A reduction or waiving of fees for meeting a certain criteria.

Discount

Transition

Legal & Finance

For sales, the capital-gains deduction steps down by bracket: first $2,000,000 100% deductible; $2,000,001–$3,000,000 80%; $3,000,001–$4,000,000 60%; $4,000,001–$5,000,000 40%; $5,000,001–$6,000,000 20%. For rental/lease/crop-share arrangements, the owner may reduce Missouri adjusted gross income up to $25,000 per tax year. Effective for transactions on or after August 28, 2023.

This MASBDA program provides financial benefits to Missouri youth who undertake crop or livestock production projects, guaranteeing a portion of a loan made by a participating lender.



Participants must be active 4-H or FFA members enrolled in livestock or field crop projects. They need parental consent, leader/advisor approval, and must meet lender repayment standards. Applicants aged 18 and older must provide citizenship certification.

Feed

Fertilizer

Pest Management

Seed

Weeds

The Missouri Department of Agriculture guarantees 50 percent of a loan up to $3,000 for a two-year period. Funds may cover livestock, feed, seed, fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides, and fuel; up to 25 percent may purchase equipment such as feeders, waterers, and farrowing crates. A non-refundable $25 application fee is required.

Submit a completed application packet with a $100 application fee plus a 1.50% closing fee to MASBDA. Contact (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

The Down Payment Loan program can be used by a qualifying Missouri resident to more readily secure a loan from a participating lender by providing or supplementing down payment amounts. It works alongside other MASBDA and federal programs and is administered by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA).



Eligible applicants are individual producers who are Missouri residents and at least 18 years old. The lender must certify that no other private or state credit can be obtained. There are no previous land-ownership restrictions (except when combined with the Beginning Farmer Loan), and purchases may be from close relatives. Financial thresholds: current ratio minimum 1:1; debt-to-asset ratio not exceeding 80%; debt-service coverage minimum 120% (unless a guarantor is provided).

The loan provides a maximum of 30% of the purchase price, or $200,000, whichever is less, with no minimum loan requirement. Eligible uses: agricultural land; machinery, equipment, livestock, trees, nursery stock, or specialty crops; and purchase, construction, or improvement of agribusiness, agricultural buildings, livestock facilities, or processing facilities. Funds cannot refinance existing debt, provide operating capital, or finance residences. Fixed interest rate is adjusted quarterly to Wall Street Journal Prime. Terms vary by use: 3 years (specialty crops/nursery); 7 years (machinery/equipment/livestock); 12 years (construction/facilities); 20 years (real estate/agribusiness); 30 years (real estate with FSA).

Through the Missouri Family Farm Breeding Livestock Loan Program, the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) provides tax credits to lenders who make breeding livestock loans to small farmers. The small farmer shall not be charged interest by the lender for the first year of the loan.



Borrowers are Missouri residents farming fewer than $500,000 in gross agricultural sales annually. Lenders are state or national banks, farm credit systems, and similar institutions subject to government credit examination.

Maximum loan amounts by livestock type: beef cattle $150,000; dairy cattle $150,000; swine $70,000; sheep $60,000; goats $60,000. Loans cannot exceed 90% of livestock purchase costs. The lender applies for the credit; the tax credit equals 100% of the first year's interest waived on a qualified eligible loan. Annual tax credits statewide cannot exceed $300,000. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of loan note execution, with financials, cash flow projections, and a 1.0% review fee.

The Missouri State Treasurer manages the linked deposits (573-751-2372); MASBDA reviews applications, analyzes projects, and issues approval certificates (573-751-2129, masbda@mda.mo.gov).

The Missouri FIRST Program, managed by the Missouri State Treasurer's Office, places below-market-rate deposits of state funds in Missouri financial institutions to enable eligible borrowers to obtain loans at reduced rates — typically 2–3 percent lower than standard rates. The Eligible Facility Borrower category supports agricultural development and renewable-fuel production facilities.



Borrowers must be partnerships, corporations, cooperatives, or LLCs organized under Missouri law with at least 12 producer members. Producer members must hold majority governance and voting rights, control management hiring and firing decisions, and deliver agricultural commodities to the entity for processing. Eligible facilities include development facilities (producing goods from agricultural commodities) or renewable fuel production facilities.

Alternative Energy

Maximum per loan is $1 million (effective February 28, 2019); financing cannot exceed 70% of total facility cost. Loan term is up to 5 years, extendable for two additional 5-year periods (maximum 15 years total). Refinancing of existing bank loans is no longer approved. MASBDA charges a 25 basis point application and processing fee.

Tax Credit applications for a tax year are due by November 1 of the following year (2024 applications were due November 1, 2025). Apply through MASBDA at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

The Missouri Meat Processing Facility Investment Tax Credit Program aims to stimulate investment in the meat processing industry in Missouri by enabling livestock producers to capture added value through further processing.



Eligible applicants are meat processing facility owners/operators in Missouri with combined employment of fewer than 500 individuals across all meat processing facilities owned. Modernization or expansion activities must occur January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2028. Expenses cannot be funded or reimbursed by state or federal sources.

The credit is 25% of the amount the taxpayer paid in the tax year for modernization and expansion, up to a maximum of $75,000 annually per facility, with a statewide cap of $2,000,000 per calendar year. Credits are non-refundable but may be carried forward 4 years and are transferable (with a $50 transfer fee). A $100 application fee plus a 3% tax-credit issuance fee apply. The program sunsets December 31, 2028.

Guidelines, application forms, and transfer procedures are available through MASBDA at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

Missouri MASBDA — Agricultural Tax Credit Programs

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority administers this program to encourage producer investment in new generation processing entities, which process Missouri agricultural commodities and agricultural products into value-added goods while benefiting farmers and creating jobs.



Eligible entities are new generation processing entities organized under Missouri law with a minimum of 12 producer members. Producer members must hold majority governance/voting rights and control management hiring. Entities operate development facilities (producing goods from agricultural commodities) or renewable fuel production facilities. A 'producer member' is an individual or entity whose primary purpose is agricultural production.

Tax credits equal the lesser of 50 percent of the member's cash investment or $15,000. Large Capital Projects cap at $1.5 million per project allocation; Employee Qualified Capital Projects cap at $3.0 million, with pro-ration across members if exceeded. Credits may be carried forward four years and applied to state income, franchise, and financial institution taxes.

This MASBDA program provides a 50 percent first-loss guarantee on collateralized loans up to $250,000 to independent livestock producers for acquiring, constructing, or improving facilities for poultry, hogs, beef, dairy cattle, or other animals in single-purpose operations.



Eligible borrowers are independent livestock producers (not integrated operations) who are legal Missouri residents at least 18 years old, providing proof of citizenship, identity, and residence, with the project located in Missouri.

The program covers 50% of first losses on loans up to $250,000. The initial guarantee is available up to 10 years. The borrower must contribute a minimum of 10% of project costs and provide a first deed of trust or adequate collateral. Eligible uses: land, buildings, facilities, equipment, machinery, and animal waste facilities for livestock production.

Application materials are available through MASBDA at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority offers tax credits to lenders making loans for specialty crop farming resources to family farmers. The program waives interest during the first year of qualifying loans.



Family farmers (borrowers) are Missouri residents with less than $100,000 in annual agricultural product sales, providing proof of citizenship, identity, and residence, limited to one loan per family, with the application submitted within 60 days of the loan promissory note date. Lenders (tax-credit recipients) are state or national banks, farm credit systems, banks for cooperatives, and savings and loan associations subject to state or federal credit examination.

Maximum loan amount is $35,000, and the eligible advance cannot exceed 90% of the specialty crop farming resource purchase cost. The lender waives the first year's interest and receives a tax credit equal to up to 100% of the approved first year's interest waived on a qualified eligible loan. The statewide annual cap is $300,000 across all eligible lenders.

Applications for a tax year's expenses are due by November 1 of the following year (e.g., 2024 expenses were due November 1, 2025). Apply through MASBDA at (573) 751-2129.

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority administers tax credits for expenses related to establishing or improving urban farms focused on food production for public sale or donation.



Taxpayers who incur qualifying expenses in constructing or developing urban farms within designated urban areas (beginning in tax year 2023 and later) may apply. Monetary donations to urban farms also qualify if the farm certifies the funds were used for eligible purposes. State- or federally-funded construction activities are excluded.

Farmers Market

Food Systems

The credit is 50% of the amount the taxpayer paid, not to exceed $5,000 per urban farm, with a maximum $25,000 total credits per urban farm across all taxpayers. $200,000 is available per calendar year, distributed on a first-come basis. Unused credits may be carried forward up to three subsequent tax years. A $100 application fee plus a 3% tax-credit issuance fee (minimum $50) apply.

Apply through the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

Taylor Adamek

Program Manager

The Missouri Value-Added Agriculture Loan Guarantee Program provides a 50% first-loss guarantee to lenders who make agricultural business development loans for the acquisition, construction, improvement, or rehabilitation of agricultural property used for processing, manufacturing, marketing, exporting, and adding value to an agricultural product. It is administered by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA).



Eligible applicants are legal Missouri residents at least 18 years old — partnerships, corporations, cooperatives, associations, trusts, or other legal entities — with the project located in Missouri.

- Value-Added Agriculture Grant Guidelines
- Project Budget Template

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Succession

The program provides a 50% first-loss guarantee on loans up to a maximum of $250,000, with a guarantee duration of up to 10 years. The borrower must provide a minimum 10% down payment and a first deed of trust or lien on the financed property. Eligible uses include agricultural property (land, buildings, structures, improvements, equipment) and plant stock for wine grapes; livestock and crop production are excluded (except grapes for wine processing).

Submit the Food Insecure Grant Application to Grants@mda.mo.gov. Application submission deadline was Aug. 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Inquiries: (573) 751-7794 or Taylor Adamek, Program Manager.

The Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant Program provides grants for projects that reduce food insecurity by increasing food production and availability to local residents. Eligible projects include community gardens, farmers markets, prep kitchens, and agricultural learning centers.



Applicants may be individuals, groups, businesses, or agriculture-related organizations. Projects must be located in designated urbanized areas (qualifying for up to $500,000 in project size) or rural areas (up to $100,000).

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Stewardship

Local Food

Grants cover 75% of eligible project costs, up to $50,000, with the applicant providing the remaining 25% as a required match. This is a reimbursement-only program; funds release after submission of paid invoices, registration completion, and MDA inspection.

Applications for the most recent cycle were due Thursday, May 28, 2026. Apply via the Missouri Department of Agriculture SCBGP page.

Susan Bennett

The Missouri Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to expand markets on local, regional, and international levels; develop distribution channels for specialty crops; and catalyze education, research, marketing, promotion, food-safety strategies, and crop-specific solutions for pests and diseases. USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, honey, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).



Eligible applicants are individuals, community organizations, and research institutions working to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Missouri. Eligible projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S.-territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.

Trials

Inputs

Funded projects receive grant funds on a quarterly reimbursement schedule; no advance payments are made.

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.

The Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grant Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), assists small agribusinesses operating in urban&#x2004;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.



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

- Urban Ag Grant FAQs
- Urban Ag Grant Guidelines

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

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.

Applications for this cycle were due November 22, 2024. Apply via the Missouri Grown / MDA page.

Missouri Ag Business Development Division

The Missouri Grown program offers a reimbursement grant to help schools and Early Care & Education Centers purchase consumable specialty crops directly from Missouri farmers. The initiative aims to increase the consumption and knowledge of specialty crops in Missouri.



Eligible applicants are Missouri school districts and Early Care & Education Centers (ECEs) listed on the state's Childcare Provider Search.

Public Health

Compliance

Maximum reimbursement is $4,000 for school districts and $2,000 for ECEs. Institutions purchase consumable specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, and syrup) from Missouri farmers between December 2024 and December 31, 2026, complete educational activities about specialty crop production, and submit all paperwork by January 15, 2027. Crops can be used for taste testing, the educational activity, served in regular school meals/snacks, or saved for later use.

List of Missouri Department of Agriculture (MODA) Funding Opportunities