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

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.

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

Loan

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

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Business Plan

Transition

Stewardship

Trade Relief

Succession

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.

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.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of Montana at the time of application. Loans are available to persons who are unable to qualify for financing from commercial lenders. However, the activity for which the loan is requested and the financial position of the applicant must show a positive cash flow and net worth.

The total value of an applicant's net worth, including those of spouse and minor children, cannot exceed $450,000.

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


HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Greenhouse

Buildings

Fencing

Construction

Storage

Facilities

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.

To apply, follow the instructions in the RFP to create an account in the Montana Web Grants System.

Montana Agricultural Development Division

The Alfalfa Seed Program is administered by the department under the [Alfalfa Seed Industry Act (Montana Code Annotated 80-11-3)](http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/80_11_3.htm). The Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee provides direction for research and marketing toward the continued growth of the alfalfa seed industry of Montana. The program is administered by the department's [Agricultural Development Division](https://agr.mt.gov/About/Agricultural-Development-Division).



The Alfalfa Seed Program is administered by the department under the Alfalfa Seed Industry Act (Montana Code Annotated 80-11-3). The Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee provides direction for research and marketing toward the continued growth of the alfalfa seed industry of Montana. The program is administered by the department's Agricultural Development Division.

Proposals for funding will be accepted from: 
- Public and private agencies and organizations 
- Business and industry 
- Educational institutions 
- Local governments 
- Individuals 

If two or more individuals or organizations propose to conduct a project jointly, they should submit one application as co-applicants. Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to carry out all elements of the proposed project. In addition, applicants proposing to rely upon the expertise of another individual or organization to undertake any part of the project must clearly define the responsibilities of that party as well as provide evidence of their willingness and demonstrated ability to undertake that area of responsibility.

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

Grant

Alfalfa

Row Crops

- Request for Proposals 2023: Montana Alfalfa Seed Program

Trials

Certification

Events

Distribution

Diversification

Certified Organic

Eligible projects are as follows: 
- Conducting research programs to: 
    - improve the quality of alfalfa seed 
    - develop and improve control measures for disease and pests which attack alfalfa and alfalfa seed pollinators (i.e. Alfalfa Leaf Cutter Bees) 
    - improve alfalfa growing culture 
    - other research projects designed to improve the Alfalfa Seed industry 
- Disseminating current and new research information 
- Developing the Alfalfa Seed Industry markets, including: 
    - conducting market assessments 
    - planning and conducting publicity and sales promotion campaigns, including media development and trade show exhibition. 
- Education

1. Read the GTA Program Guidelines in order to determine whether or not your project is eligible and learn more about the details of the program to begin the GTA application process.
2. Contact Food and Agriculture Development Center network and/or Small Business Development Center network before you begin the application process. These organizations can assist with the application as well as required financial projections, key financial assumptions, business plan, and marketing plan. Templates for business plans, financial projections and financial assumptions are available on the GTA website at www.gta.mt.gov. 
3. Register and apply online through Amplifund at this link.


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 development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services&#x2004;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.



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.

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.

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

- Growth Through Agriculture Program Guidelines
- GTA Business Acceleration Program Guidelines
- GTA Marketing Development Program Guidelines
- Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Cost Share

- 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)

Fertilizer

Inputs

Nutrient Management

To apply, see the Montana Web Grants System.

The Montana Potato Research & Market Development Program was created by a vote of potato producers following a process outlined in the [Agricultural Commodity Research and Market Development Enabling Act (MCA 80-11-5)](http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0800/chapter_0110/part_0050/sections_index.html).


The Potato Research & Market Development Program is administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture, which receives advice from the seven member Montana Potato Advisory Committee. The committee invites proposals to fund demonstration projects, applied research and market development projects designed to address Montana's potato industry needs and opportunities.



The Montana Potato Research & Market Development Program was created by a vote of potato producers following a process outlined in the Agricultural Commodity Research and Market Development Enabling Act (MCA 80-11-5).

The Potato Research & Market Development Program is administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture, which receives advice from the seven member Montana Potato Advisory Committee. The committee invites proposals to fund demonstration projects, applied research and market development projects designed to address Montana's potato industry needs and opportunities.

Proposals for funding will be accepted from:
- Public and Private Agencies and Organizations
- Business and Industry
- Educational Institutions
- Local Governments
- Individuals
If two or more individuals or organizations propose to conduct a project jointly, they should submit one application as co-applicants.
 Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to carry out all elements of the proposed project. In addition, applicants proposing to rely upon the expertise of another individual or organization to undertake any part of the project must clearly define the responsibilities of that party as well as provide evidence of their willingness and demonstrated ability to undertake that area of responsibility.

Potatoes

Potato Seeds

Processing Potatoes

Russet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Vegetables

Specialty Crops

Complete Request For Proposal can be read here.

The Montana Department of Agriculture staff will be responsible for monitoring each funded project.
Specific terms and conditions of each funded project will be contained in the formal grant agreement.
The Committee/Department reserves the right to determine the extent of reporting requirements, subject to modification during the project. Interim reporting requirements will be based on the cost, duration and nature of the project. 
A comprehensive final report will be required upon completion of the project. The final report should include:
- a comparison of actual findings and accomplishments of the project with goals and objectives described in the proposal;
- reasons for deviation from established goals of the proposal;
- a clear description of the commercial application and economic benefits, which accrued during the project;
- a description of its immediate impact;
- an estimate of its long-term commercial and economic benefits.
In addition to the final project report, the Committee reserves the right to conduct a follow-up survey of funded projects in order to determine long-term impact.

If two or more individuals or organizations propose to conduct a project jointly, they should submit one application as co-applicants.

To apply:
- Register Online: Before you can fill out an application, make sure that you have registered and received a username and password at www.fundingmt.org - see attached instructions below "Webgrants Registration Instructions"
- Log In: After registering, log in with your username and password and click "Start a New Application". Then fill out the application forms provided, being sure to "Save" often to avoid losing data. Application Instructions are also provided below.

The purpose of the proposal application is to provide evaluators with a written statement containing sufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed activity is a sound approach to an important area of interest as outlined in the RFP and that it merits financial support. The Committee will conduct their annual meeting at which time the applicant may make a presentation in person. The Committee will then decide whether to fund the project and notify the applicant within 60 days.

Selection of successful proposals will be on a competitive basis and based on availability of funds. All proposals will be judged against the following criteria, consistent with the stated objectives of the program:
- The degree to which the proposed activity addresses a significant industry need or opportunity and evidence of industry support of such an activity.
- Applicant’s demonstrated experience and ability to undertake the proposed activity and to manage the grant compliance, including reporting and financial management.
- The adequacy of plan and time frame to achieve the activity goals. The Montana Pulse Crop Committee will fund successful projects through contracts under the Pulse Crop Research & Marketing Act. Selected projects must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, licensing and regulations for funds to be awarded. Evidence of such compliance may be required. The Montana Department of Agriculture will notify each applicant of selection decisions in writing within 60 days of the Committee’s meeting date.

Zach Coccoli

The primary goal of the Montana Pulse Crop Research & Marketing as stated in the enabling legislation, "In order to protect and foster the health, prosperity, and general welfare of the people of Montana, it is declared to be the public policy of this state to encourage and promote intensive, scientific, and practical research into all phases of agricultural commodity culture, production, marketing, and the development of markets for commodities grown or produced in Montana.” Legal Authority: (MCA) Section 80-11-1001 through - 1008 Montana Code Annotated. The Montana&#x2004;Pulse Research & Market Development Program is overseen by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee.


The Montana Pulse Crop Committee invites proposals to fund market development projects and educational projects designed to address Montana's pulse industry. All funding awards will be determined by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee or the USADPLC Research Review Committee. Generally, to qualify for consideration, proposals must have practical, near-term application involving practices or organizational arrangements that will stimulate an expanded pulse industry.



The primary goal of the Montana Pulse Crop Research & Marketing as stated in the enabling legislation, "In order to protect and foster the health, prosperity, and general welfare of the people of Montana, it is declared to be the public policy of this state to encourage and promote intensive, scientific, and practical research into all phases of agricultural commodity culture, production, marketing, and the development of markets for commodities grown or produced in Montana.” Legal Authority: (MCA) Section 80-11-1001 through - 1008 Montana Code Annotated. The Montana Pulse Research & Market Development Program is overseen by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee.

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee invites proposals to fund market development projects and educational projects designed to address Montana's pulse industry. All funding awards will be determined by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee or the USADPLC Research Review Committee. Generally, to qualify for consideration, proposals must have practical, near-term application involving practices or organizational arrangements that will stimulate an expanded pulse industry.

Proposals for funding will be accepted from:
- Public and Private Agencies and Organizations
- Business and Industry
- Educational Institutions
- State & Local Governments
- Individuals

Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to carry out all elements of the proposed project. In addition, applicants proposing to rely upon the expertise of another individual or organization to undertake any part of the project must clearly define the responsibilities of that party as well as provide evidence of their willingness and demonstrated ability to undertake that area of responsibility.

Eligible projects are as follows: 

Developing the Pulse markets, including:
- Conducting market assessments
- Planning and conducting publicity and sales promotion campaigns, including media development and trade show exhibition.
- Expanding International/Domestic markets
- Overall market development of pulse crop industry

There is no limit to the grant amount a proposal can request. Eligible costs under the Montana Pulse Crop Research & Marketing may include, but are not limited to:
- Salaries and Wages
- Fringe Benefits
- Consultant Services (professional, technical, operational)
- Travel
- Advertising and Promotion 
- Equipment (preferably leased versus direct acquisition)
- Supplies and Materials
- Communication (telephone, postage, printing, etc.)
- Data Processing

Program funds cannot be used for the payment of institutional overhead or unassociated indirect costs.

Dried Beans

Lentils

Peas

Chickpeas

Dry Peas

English Peas

Green Peas

Snap Peas

Sugar Peas

Pulse Crops

Other Commodities

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee and the Montana Department of Agriculture staff will be responsible for monitoring each funded project. Specific terms and conditions of each funded project will be contained in the formal grant agreement. The Committee reserves the right to determine the extent of reporting requirements, subject to modification during the project. Interim reporting requirements will be based on the cost, duration and nature of the project The grant recipient may be required to make an oral report to the Committee at the conclusion of the project. The oral report will be made at a regularly scheduled Committee meeting. A comprehensive final report will be required upon completion of the project. 

The final report should include:
- A comparison of actual findings and accomplishments of the project with goals and objectives described in the proposal;
- Reasons for any deviation from established goals of the proposal;
- A clear description of the commercial application and economic benefits, which accrued during the course of the project;
- A description of its immediate impact; and
- An estimate of its long-term commercial and economic benefits. 

In addition to the final project report, the Committee reserves the right to conduct a follow-up survey of funded projects in order to determine long-term impact.

To apply:
- Read the Grant Proposal Manual
- Register Online for the Webgrants system. Before you will be able to submit an application, make sure that you have registered and received a username and password at www.fundingmt.gov. 
- Once you have registered online, you will start an application for the AGR Montana 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant

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, communitybased 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. 

List of Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) Funding Opportunities