Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA)

There is no formal or defined application period — the program is ongoing and an application may be submitted at any time. A loan is funded solely from the bond sold to a Bond Purchaser (bank, contract seller, or individual investor); the applicant must arrange the loan with a Bond Purchaser who will purchase the Authority's bond. The Authority has no independent funds to lend and does not evaluate creditworthiness.

Montana Dept. of Agriculture — Beginning Farm/Ranch Loan Program

The Montana&#x2004;Beginning Farmer/Rancher Loan Program is a tax-exempt bond program designed to assist beginning farmers and ranchers in Montana to acquire agricultural property at lower interest rates. Lenders, individuals, partnerships, corporations, and other entities (the "Bond Purchaser") receive federally tax-exempt interest on a loan or contract sale made to a qualified beginning farmer/rancher; the Montana Agriculture Loan Authority issues a federally tax-exempt Private Activity Bond in the amount of the loan. Funds may be used to purchase agricultural land, agricultural improvements, and depreciable agricultural property.



The Montana Beginning Farmer/Rancher Loan Program is a tax-exempt bond program designed to assist beginning farmers and ranchers in Montana to acquire agricultural property at lower interest rates. Lenders, individuals, partnerships, corporations, and other entities (the "Bond Purchaser") receive federally tax-exempt interest on a loan or contract sale made to a qualified beginning farmer/rancher; the Montana Agriculture Loan Authority issues a federally tax-exempt Private Activity Bond in the amount of the loan. Funds may be used to purchase agricultural land, agricultural improvements, and depreciable agricultural property.

The applicant must be a first-time farmer/rancher (no prior direct or indirect ownership interest in a substantial amount of farm/ranch land — a spouse's or minor child's interest is attributed to the applicant), at least age 18 (no upper age limit), a Montana resident at the time the bond is issued, with a net worth not exceeding $450,000, and documented training and experience in the type of operation for which the bond is requested. The land, improvements, and depreciable property may only be used for farming/ranching by the applicant, spouse, or minor children.

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

Loan

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Transition

Succession

Historically Underserved

Loan maximums under existing federal law: $477,000 aggregate for agricultural land, improvements, and depreciable property; of the $450,000 lifetime bond total per individual, no more than $125,000 may be for new depreciable agricultural property, of which no more than $62,500 may be for "used" depreciable property. There is no minimum loan amount. Bonds are limited-obligation (non-recourse) obligations of the Authority, not indebtedness of the State of Montana. Program authorized under MCA 80-12-101 through 314; the Authority's powers are exercised by the Montana Department of Agriculture. Ineligible uses include refinancing existing debt, working capital, and land entirely enrolled in CRP.

The Council may make a grant or loan if it determines a project is consistent with the goals of the Growth Through Agriculture Act. Projects should primarily add value to Montana's agricultural products and have the potential to create and/or retain jobs in Montana.
BEFORE beginning the application process, the applicant should be able to document exactly how the project will expand Montana agriculture. For example, the growth could be measurable either in terms of increased sales (by dollar amount or percentage) or in number of jobs created.
The Council strongly urges applicants to contact the Food and Agricultural Development Center network, Small Business Development Center network, and their local economic development organization for assistance with their GTA application, financial projections, business and marketing plans as necessary. In addition, the Department is offering the use of this one-page financials template for interested businesses that have been invited to apply and present for the main GTA program.
Projects may potentially be funded in a single application for a maximum total amount of $150,000 in the form of grant funding up to $50,000 and loan funding up to $100,000. Examples of project activities involve equipment purchases, advertising and promotion, and consultant services such as engineering costs. A $1 for $1 match is required for all proposals.

MT Growth Through Agricultural Program

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the&#x2004;development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. The GTA program is administered by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) which is attached to the Department of Agriculture.

### New in 2023

The Growth Through Agriculture Program has added two new options this year:

- The Business Acceleration Program will award grants of up to $20,000 over two years to support early business development or expansion.

- The Market Development Program will award grants of up to $5,000 to help eligible businesses access and develop new markets for their goods.


**Cost-share Requirement** 

50% cost-share is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans. For example, the GTA Program can reimburse 50% of an invoice paid by the business, thereby confirming cash cost-share, or “match” is in place. 


**Types of Funding Available**

Maximum - $150,000 made up of: 

- Up to $50,000 in the form of grant funding 

- Up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding



The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. The GTA program is administered by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) which is attached to the Department of Agriculture.
New in 2023
The Growth Through Agriculture Program has added two new options this year:
- The Business Acceleration Program will award grants of up to $20,000 over two years to support early business development or expansion.
- The Market Development Program will award grants of up to $5,000 to help eligible businesses access and develop new markets for their goods.

Cost-share Requirement 
50% cost-share is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans. For example, the GTA Program can reimburse 50% of an invoice paid by the business, thereby confirming cash cost-share, or “match” is in place. 

Types of Funding Available 
Maximum - $150,000 made up of: 
- Up to $50,000 in the form of grant funding 
- Up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding

Projects should primarily add value to Montana’s agricultural products, have prospects for achieving commercial success given the current personnel, experience and resources of the applicant and have the possibility to create and/or retain jobs in Montana. In addition, projects should either benefit additional agricultural producers and/or companies, and/or projects should accomplish research that will benefit Montana’s agriculture industry as a whole. An applicant that receives any two GTA grants within a two-year period will have a one-year cooling off period before applying again, starting in the current calendar year. Please contact GTA staff for any questions on this recent adjustment. 

Additional Loan Eligibility Requirements:
- The Council has the option to offer high and low interest loans up to $100,000 for those projects that meet the general criteria for funding listed above. 
    - To be eligible for a low interest loan, the applicant must have unencumbered collateral to secure the full amount of the loan. 
    - The Council can select up to two targeted areas for projects which would be eligible for low interest loans. These targeted areas will encourage specific types of projects and will inform the public of the Council’s particular interests. These targeted areas must be announced 60 days prior to becoming effective. 

Additional Grant Eligibility Requirements:
- The Council may award grants up to $50,000. In addition to meeting the general criteria for funding, grant applicants must demonstrate through their application that they meet at least one of the following additional criteria: 
    - The project will benefit additional agricultural companies, 
    - The project will accomplish research that will benefit agriculture as a whole, or 
    - The applicant is a nonprofit entity.

Eligible Costs:
Eligible costs under the GTA program include, but are not limited to: 
- Equipment 
- Consultant Services (professional, technical, operational) 
- Travel 
- Advertising and Promotion 
- Supplies and Materials 
- Communication (telephone, postage, printing, etc.) 
- Data Processing

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

Grant

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

Cost Share

- Growth Through Agriculture Program Guidelines
- GTA Business Acceleration Program Guidelines
- GTA Marketing Development Program Guidelines
- FAQ


Legal & Finance

$1 for $1 match is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans.

Maximum $150,000 made up of: 
- Up to $50,000 in the form of grant funding
- Up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding

Application forms are available from the department, agricultural education instructors, and county extension agents, or can be downloaded here. 
Mail your completed application to:

Montana Department of Agriculture 
P. O. Box 200201 
Helena, Montana 59620-0201 

Applications must be approved by the local loan committee, with final approval determined by the Montana Department of Agriculture Loan Committee. A written summary of past experience or education relating to the proposed project must accompany the application. A map showing directions to the applicant's farm or ranch is also required with the application.

Walt Anseth

The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program was developed to assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Loans are made from the assets of the Agricultural Finance Program. Program support and technical assistance are&#x2004;provided by the [Montana State University Extension Service](http://www.msuextension.org/), Montana agricultural educators, and private financial institutions.


By providing financial encouragement to young men and women to establish and expand agricultural projects, the program aims to:

- Foster the interest of young people in agriculture, thereby preserving Montana's agricultural future;

- Provide financial experience and training through personal involvement;

- Build experience and equity in agriculture to provide a foundation for future vocations; and

- Provide support to Montana agriculture education and Extension Service youth programs.



The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program was developed to assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Loans are made from the assets of the Agricultural Finance Program. Program support and technical assistance are provided by the Montana State University Extension Service, Montana agricultural educators, and private financial institutions.

By providing financial encouragement to young men and women to establish and expand agricultural projects, the program aims to:
- Foster the interest of young people in agriculture, thereby preserving Montana's agricultural future;
- Provide financial experience and training through personal involvement;
- Build experience and equity in agriculture to provide a foundation for future vocations; and
- Provide support to Montana agriculture education and Extension Service youth programs.

Active members of FFA, 4-H and other recognized agricultural youth organizations are eligible for this program. The Montana Department of Agriculture may also make direct loans to youths unable to participate as members of such organizations. Parents or guardians must be willing to cooperate with prospective borrowers and have ample facilities available to provide for the project. Applicants should be between the ages of nine and 21, Montana residents, and citizens of the United States.

- Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program: Loan Terms & Application
- Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program: Application Instructions & Forms

Stewardship

Trade Relief

Marketing

The amount of a loan depends on the project, but cannot exceed $3,500 for applicants ages 9-11, or $8,500 for applicants ages 12-21. Applicants may refinance loans, providing they still qualify and do not exceed the $8,500 maximum. More than one family member may qualify for individual loans. Individuals may borrow up to 90% of the total first year cost of a project. Loan repayments periods can be one to five years, depending on the project. Payments are usually made annually. Additional terms, as well as information about the Local Loan Committee, are detailed below under the Loan Terms & Application tab, or download the Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program Loan Terms & Application.

Register & Apply Online:
- Applicants may apply for up to $75,000 per application.
- All applications must be submitted by an authorized organization (county weed district, conservation district, MSU extension or a non-profit).
- Refer to the Grant Guidelines for complete details and requirements.
- Register online at funding.mt.gov and choose Agriculture as your program of interest.

Application forms are submitted electronically using the online Montana Grants and Loans system.

Grant Presentations:

Applications are reviewed by Department staff and the Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council. Grant hearings are held annually in March, where each applicant provides a ten minute presentation (PowerPoint, photos, etc.) for their project. Applicants are notified of the date and time of their presentation prior to the grant hearings.

Greta Dige

NWTF Grant Coordinator

The **Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program** was established by the 1985 Montana Legislature to provide funding for the noxious weed research projects, state and community education/development projects, and local cooperative-landowner cost share. Applicants may apply for funding up to $75,000 per project. 	



The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program was established by the 1985 Montana Legislature to provide funding for the noxious weed research projects, state and community education/development projects, and local cooperative-landowner cost share. Applicants may apply for funding up to $75,000 per project. 	

Applicants must work with and apply through an organization, such as a weed district, conservation district, extension office, non-profit, or tribal weed district to be eligible.
Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant funds may not be used for: 
- Application expenditures 
- developing grant proposals, grant hearing travel expense
- Purchase of biocontrol agents 
- Equipment purchases 
- Indirect costs 
- Capital improvements 
- Annual herbicide for cropland/CRP practices 
- Re-seeding efforts for alfalfa fields, grain for wildlife habitat, or other cropland situations

- Grant Guidelines
- Application for Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council Appointment
- Noxious Weed Trust Fund Important Dates & Information
- Noxious Weed Trust Fund Brochure
- Montana Noxious Weed Management Plan (Updated 2017)
- Current State Bid: Agricultural Chemicals
- Montana Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Program 2019 Summary
- User Guide for EDDMapS Pro (Updated 2020)

Certification

Trials

Certified Organic

Fertilizer

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Reimbursement grants capped at $75,000 per project per year, with the match depending on which track you apply under. Montana Department of Agriculture: "Applicants may apply for funding up to $75,000 per project." Funding is paid after the fact — "Grant funding is provided as reimbursement for completed project expenditures," and "Costs incurred prior to final signing of the contract will not be reimbursed."

Match by track (Grant Guidelines):
- Local Cooperative (landowner cost-share) — "required to have a minimum of 50% cash match for commercial application, herbicide, and revegetation costs. Projects are funded only if matching funds are available from grantees." Administrative costs may be requested "up to 3% of the grant total, maximum of $1,000" (for organizations not receiving a County/Reservation Program Enhancement grant). "Maximum total grant request of $75,000 per year."
- Research and Development projects — "Matching funds are not required... but can be included in budget information. In-kind matches or forgone indirect costs can be noted." "Maximum request of $75,000 per year."
- Education projects — "Projects are not required to have a 50:50 match on the budget form, but some match is suggested." "Maximum request of $75,000 per year."

Term: "Requested funds should be fully spent within one year, however for those projects eligible for Statewide Program grants, funds can cover up to three years."

What the money cannot buy: "grant proposals, grant hearing travel expense, Purchase of biocontrol agents, Equipment purchases, Indirect costs, Capital improvements, Annual herbicide for cropland/CRP practices, Re-seeding efforts for alfalfa fields, grain for wildlife habitat, or other cropland situations."

Structural point for individual landowners: you do not hold the grant yourself. "Grant applicants collaborate with an organization, such as those listed below, that will administer the grant and serve as the recipient for funding reimbursements" — a county or tribal weed district, extension service, conservation district or educational institution. Local Cooperative projects also "require the participation of a minimum of three adjacent landowners," each with "a committed dollar amount for the acres to be treated prior to application submission," and new projects need a completed environmental assessment. Applications are due January 6 each year, with a ten-minute presentation to the Advisory Council at the February/March hearings.

The application window is open now. Technical assistance is available through the Montana Department of Agriculture and its partners, or a local Food and Agriculture Development Center.

Sky Losleben

Karl Sutton

Through the REAP Technical Assistance Grant (REAP-TAG), the Montana Department of Agriculture provides free technical assistance to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses apply to the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP funds renewable energy systems and energy-efficient equipment — including solar, wind, and biomass projects; livestock solar well pumps and cattle watering systems; irrigation equipment conversions; and HVAC systems, commercial hot water heaters, lighting, insulation, and windows.



Agricultural producers with at least 50% of gross income from agricultural operations, and small businesses in rural areas (for-profit entities, cooperatives, electric utilities, and Tribal corporations). Applicants must have no outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment, or debarment. Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 or less; agricultural producers may use non-rural locations if the project is on-site production.

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

USDA REAP grants are currently available at up to 25% of eligible project costs. The Montana Department of Agriculture's role is to provide free technical assistance and grant-writing help to access the federal REAP program.

Download the Rural Assistance Loan Application Form (pdf format) to get started. A complete application must include the following:
- Completed Application Form
- Review and signature from local committee
- Copies of the past two year’s federal income tax returns
- A $35.00 non-refundable application fee payable to the Montana Department of Agriculture

Completed applications should be mailed to:
Montana Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Finance Program
P. O. Box 200201
Helena, Montana 59620-0201. 

Additional information or documentation may be required at the discretion of the department. Final loan approval or denial will be determined by the Department of Agriculture Loan Committee.


The **Rural&#x2004;Assistance Loan Program** provides loans to producers with modest financial investments in agriculture. These loans finance agricultural enterprises to provide financial experience and assist in the economic growth and welfare of Montana agriculture. Rural Assistance Loans are available through the Agricultural Finance Program of the Montana Department of Agriculture.


Funds may be used to finance the following:

- Agricultural property, such as livestock and farm machinery;

- Agricultural improvements, such as barns or irrigation systems;

- Annual operating expenses; and

- Agricultural land.



The Rural Assistance Loan Program provides loans to producers with modest financial investments in agriculture. These loans finance agricultural enterprises to provide financial experience and assist in the economic growth and welfare of Montana agriculture. Rural Assistance Loans are available through the Agricultural Finance Program of the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Funds may be used to finance the following:
- Agricultural property, such as livestock and farm machinery;
- Agricultural improvements, such as barns or irrigation systems;
- Annual operating expenses; and
- Agricultural land.

- Agricultural producers with modest financial investments in agriculture.
- Applicants must be residents of Montana at the time of application.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Applicants must be unable to qualify for financing from commercial lenders.
- The activity being financed and the applicant's financial position must show a positive cash flow and net worth.
- The applicant's total net worth, including that of a spouse and minor children, cannot exceed $450,000 at the time of application.

- Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program: Loan Terms
- Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program: Additional Terms
- Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program: Application


HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

Irrigation

Storage

Infrastructure

Water Management

Upon approval of a Rural Assistance Loan application, borrowers must agree to certain requirements:
- Cattle or horses that are used as collateral must be branded with a brand registered with the Montana Department of Livestock.
- Good records of production and expenses are required.
- Borrowers will pay the fees required to file, continue, or release financing statements, brand liens, and mortgages.
- Applicants may be required to establish a joint checking account with the Montana Department of Agriculture. Loan funds would be deposited in this account and used for financial transactions related to the loan.
- Comprehensive insurance or crop insurance may be required on secured or mortgaged property.
- For real estate loans, the Department of Agriculture requires a first mortgage position and title insurance in the name of the Department.
- A qualified appraisal may be required to determine the value of assets or collateral property.

Ongoing. Trade Show Assistance is now administered under the new GTA Market Development Program — see the Growth Through Agriculture program page (agr.mt.gov/GTA) for current application details and requirements.

Montana Dept. of Agriculture — Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) Market Development

The Montana Trade Show Assistance Program helps Montana agricultural entrepreneurs expand their markets by exhibiting at wholesale trade shows, one way to increase their sales network. The program also provides extensive free training resources for first-time exhibitors, covering planning, pre-show preparation, booth setup, and post-show follow-up.



- Individuals and businesses or industry organizations, including agritourism operations, may apply.
- Public and private agencies and organizations, educational institutions, local governments, cooperatives, and non-profits may also apply.
- Start-up businesses must have been in operation for at least 6 months.
- The applicant's business must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State's office.
- Projects must primarily add value to Montana's agricultural products.
- Projects must have prospects to create or retain jobs in Montana.
- A 50% cost-share is required; grant funds reimburse half of approved project expenses.
- Trade show assistance is limited to out-of-state trade shows or trade missions; in-state trade shows are not eligible.
- An applicant that has received two GTA-funded grants (GTA or BAM) must wait through a one-year cooling-off period before being awarded again.
- Applicants currently in default on any prior Montana Department of Agriculture loan or grant contract are not eligible.

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Labor

No reimbursement amounts are published for Trade Show Assistance itself any more. The Montana Department of Agriculture's Marketing Assistance page now says only: "The Trade Show Assistance Program will now be covered under the new GTA Market Development Program. Please visit https://agr.mt.gov/GTA for more information and to apply." What remains free-standing on the page is the trade-show training and planning material (the four-track first-time-exhibitor guide, budget and pricing worksheets, shipping templates) — no cash.

The terms you actually apply under now are Growth Through Agriculture's (agr.mt.gov/GTA, FY2026 guidelines):
- Award ceilings: "The maximum award amount is $150,000." Within that, "The maximum grant amount for any single application is $50,000" and "The maximum loan amount for any single application is $100,000." The Agriculture Development Council decides whether you get a grant, a loan, or both.
- Cost-share: "50% cost-share is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans... 50% of an eligible expense will be paid by the applicant and 50% of the expense will be reimbursed with grant funds." In-kind does not count — "'In-kind' is NOT eligible for cost-share" — and expenses from normal day-to-day operation are excluded. Only expenses incurred on/after July 1 of the application year qualify.
- Payment: "All awards will be paid on a reimbursement basis unless otherwise specified by the Council."
- Loan pricing: "The low interest loan rate will be set at 0% interest, the high interest loan rate will be set at 4%" for FY2026; "Loans may be repaid over a period of up to eight years," and a low-interest loan requires unencumbered collateral securing the full amount.
- Other conditions: a named personal guarantee is required for grants and loans; security provisions are set case by case; no institutional overhead or indirect costs; state grant funds (other than commodity check-off) cannot be used as your match; and "An applicant that receives any two GTA grants within a two-year period will have a one-year cooling off period before applying again."
- Eligible costs include travel and "Advertising and Promotion" — the categories a trade-show exhibit would fall under.

Timing. FY2026 GTA pre-applications opened October 10 with a November 10 deadline; full applications were due February 2; awards at the March Council meeting.

Applications for the 2026 cycle were accepted April 15 – May 18, 2026 (5:00 PM deadline). Apply by creating an account at mtagr.webgrantscloud.com and following the online instructions. Qualifying applicants are presented to the Agriculture Development Council at its June meeting; award announcements are made in June.

The Montana Agriculture Student Loan Assistance Program encourages Montana's college-educated youth to pursue a primary career in farming or ranching, reduces financial stress on farm and ranch operators, and promotes succession planning. Successful applicants may receive student-loan repayment assistance for up to five years for qualified education loans.



An applicant must: be a Montana resident; have earned an associate or baccalaureate degree from a Montana-based postsecondary institution (Montana university system unit, Montana community college, or accredited Montana tribal college); have an outstanding balance on an eligible student loan from that degree; be the primary owner, heir, successor, or assignee of a farm or ranch in Montana; participate in day-to-day operations; agree to operate a Montana farm or ranch for at least five years; and be in non-default status on the student loan.

Total loan-repayment assistance may not exceed 50% of the applicant's total educational loans outstanding; the minimum outstanding loan amount is $10,000. Assistance is available for up to five years. Payments may be made as one annual payment or 12 monthly payments per year of eligibility, disbursed by the department directly to the educational loan. No more than $100,000 of Agriculture Development Council funds per biennium may be expended for the program. Recipients must operate a farm or ranch full-time for at least five years after application, and must repay assistance received if they cease before the five-year commitment ends. Legal authority: MCA 90-9-203, 90-9-501; ARM 4.16.104, 4.16.503.

To submit a proposal: review the funding guidelines to ensure alignment with the committee's goals; prepare a detailed proposal outlining scope, objectives, and expected outcomes; and submit through the WebGrants system by the deadline. Applicants present a brief overview of the proposal (in person or via video). Research-specific projects are handled by the USADPLC RFP.

Liz Edmundson

The Pulse Crop Market Development Program is overseen by the Montana Department of Agriculture and determined by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee, with a mission to improve the return on investment for Montana pulse-crop farmers. The Committee allocates its annual budget across three goals: Market Development (25–30% — expanding domestic and international markets for pulse crops); Communication & Education (20% — industry and producer education); and Innovation and Development (35% — innovation, agronomic/economic development, and product development). Research-specific projects are funded separately through the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council (USADPLC) RFP.



Eligible applicants include: agricultural organizations, research institutions, industry associations, and other entities.

Dried Beans

Lentils

Peas

Chickpeas

Dry Peas

English Peas

Green Peas

Snap Peas

Sugar Peas

Pulse Crops

Other Commodities

Market Development Program timeline: RFP open December 12, 2025; closes February 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.; application presentations March 2–4, 2026; awards March 2026, funding by June.

The USDA RFSI round closed with a pre-application deadline of January 8, 2024 and an application deadline of March 25, 2024. In November 2024 USDA AMS and Montana announced $3.1 million awarded to eight projects (five infrastructure grants and three equipment grants). No new round is currently open. Application assistance is available through the Food and Agriculture Development Center Network (foodandag.mt.gov).

Montana's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI), funded through a USDA Agricultural Marketing Service cooperative agreement, provides competitive grants to build resilience across the middle of the food supply chain for locally and regionally produced foods (excluding meat and poultry). Eligible activities include processing capacity expansion, equipment and facilities modernization, worker safety, packaging and labeling, and storage space.



Agricultural producers or processors, nonprofits, local and tribal governments, and institutions involved in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. Eligible products include specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.

Farmers Market

Food Systems

Single USDA AMS RFSI cooperative-agreement round; final project end date March 31, 2027.

Application Page

Required Application Forms:
- 2026 Applicant Self-Assessment Form
- 2026 Application Narrative Cover Sheet
- 2026 Application Project Template (PDF form provided by USDA)

All applications must be submitted through the WebGrants system. The instructions below outline the basic procedures of operating the Webgrants system.
- WebGrants Registration Instructions
- WebGrants Application Instructions
- WebGrants Submitting Help
- WebGrants Quick Navigation



Caitlin Hortert

SCBG Program Specialist

Through the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program, Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) seeks to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Montana specialty crops. Grants are available to State and/or local&#x2004;organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, peas, lentils, horticulture, and nursery crops. A list of **[eligible crops](https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop)** is available online.

Applicants are encouraged to develop projects in the following issue areas affecting the specialty crop industry: 

- enhancing food safety;

- improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors; 

- investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes; 

- developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops; 

- pest and disease control; 

- increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; 

- improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems and; 

- sustainability.




Through the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program, Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) seeks to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Montana specialty crops. Grants are available to State and/or local organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts.
Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, peas, lentils, horticulture, and nursery crops. A list of eligible crops is available online.
Applicants are encouraged to develop projects in the following issue areas affecting the specialty crop industry: 
- enhancing food safety;
- improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors; 
- investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes; 
- developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops; 
- pest and disease control; 
- increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; 
- improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems and; 
- sustainability.


State and/or local organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts. Regional or multi-state projects may be considered. 

Specialty Crops

Aloe Leaves

Blackberries

Fruits

Honey

Horticulture

Mamey Sapote

Maple Syrup

Mustard Greens

Parsnips

Passion Fruit

Pineapples

Plantains

Pummelos

Raspberries

Rutabagas

Tree Nuts

Vegetables

Abiu

Achachairu

Antidesma

Apples

Apricots

Bananas

Barbados Cherry

Blueberries

Breadfruit

Cacao

Caimito

Calabaza Melon

Canary Melon

Canary Seed

Caneberries

Canistel

Cantaloupes

Casaba Melon

Cherries

Chinese Bitter Melon

Chokeberry

Citron

Citron Melon

Coconuts

Cranberries

Crenshaw Melon

Custard Apple

Dates

Dragon Fruit

Durian

Elderberries

Figs

Genip

Goji

Gooseberries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Guava

Guavaberry

Honeyberries

Honeydew

Huckleberries

Israel Melons

Jack Fruit

Jujube

Juneberries

Kiwiberry

Kiwifruit

Korean Golden Melon

Kumquats

Langsat

Lemons

Limequats

Limes

Longan

Loquats

Lychee

A floor but no ceiling. The FY 2026 RFP Manual states: "Funding amount requested must be a minimum of $25,000; there is no maximum funding on a project." Statewide pool: "MDA anticipates funding available of approximately $2,700,000. MDA plans to award multiple grants from these funds."

No match or cost-share is required — none is stated anywhere in the manual.

Who can hold the money: "State and/or local organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders... either as single entities or in combined efforts." A single farmer can be the beneficiary — the manual's own example of an acceptable project is "A single farmer erects high tunnels on his/her property to extend the growing season of tomatoes and lettuce and conducts a field day and farm tour to encourage other small family farmers to adopt the production methods."

The catch that disqualifies most straightforward farm projects: "MDA will not award grant funds for projects that solely benefit a commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual." Buying "starter plants or equipment used to plant, cultivate, and grow a specialty crop to make a profit, or to expand production of a single business" is listed as unacceptable. Your project has to enhance competitiveness of Montana specialty crops broadly — fruits, vegetables, peas and lentils, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture.

Process and timing: applications go through WebGrants; the FY26 deadline was Feb 27, 2026, with awards announced summer 2026 after USDA-AMS approval. Funds are drawn only after "Grantees must sign and return the contract to MDA before funds can be drawn on the project." Applicants also need a free UEI number from SAM.gov, and MDA "reserves the right to limit the number of active projects for any grant recipient and project lead."

List of Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) Funding Opportunities