Read about the variety of projects funded through the AGRI Value-Added Grant program.

Fiscal Year 2022

Business Name Type of Grant Project Summary City County
12 Lake Farms LLC

Equipment

Purchase equipment to automate pumpkin seed processing

Chisago City

Chisago

3Hmong Sausage

Equipment

Acquire a sausage linking machine

Saint Paul

Ramsey

Back Home Farms

Equipment

Purchase equipment and physical improvements for processing poultry on site

Park Rapids

Hubbard

Bolton Bees

Equipment

Make production improvements with honey extraction and wax rendering equipment, temperature controlled honey storage, and product transport vehicle

Saint Paul

Ramsey

Brand Farms Equipment Purchase a mechanical egg washer Farmington Dakota
Carlson Meat Shop Equipment Purchase meat slicer and meat mixer Grove City Meeker
Civil Sass Equipment Buy post processing cold chain storage unit Chatfield Fillmore
Clean Chickens and Co. Equipment Purchase equipment to process Halal goat meat Elk River Sherburne
Country Blossom Farm LLC Equipment Purchase apple cider production equipment Alexandria Douglas
Dutch House Confections Equipment Purchase a cooker to double caramel cooking capacity Nelson Douglas
Foley Locker Inc. Equipment Purchase of equipment for sausage kitchen to increase production and label products for those with food allergies and sensitivities Foley Benton
Fresha LLC Equipment Acquire equipment to cut, peel, sort, bag, and expand line production capacity of baby cut carrots Morris Stevens
Gardner Family Farm LLC Equipment Become an E2 poultry slaughter plant with purchase of processing equipment Spring Grove Houston
Golden Hawk Farm Equipment Acquire processing facility equipment Mabel Houston
Midwest Meats LLC Equipment Add a kill floor and purchase production equipment New York Mills Otter Tail
Millerville Cooperative Creamery Association Equipment Purchase a butter churn and a refrigerated truck to expand distribution territory Brandon Douglas
MinnTofu LLC Equipment Expand tofu production lines Spring Lake Park Anoka
North Fork Distillery LLC Equipment Expand fluid milk processing, double cheese producing capacity, and adding North Fork Distillery - which at this time would be the world's first-ever cow-milk-whey on-farm distillery Brooten Stearns
Northwest Grains International LLC Equipment Purchase food grade non-GMO soybean handling system Minneapolis Hennepin
Nystrom Orchard Equipment Purchase a cider press Worthington Nobles
TC Farm Equipment Expand market access though purchase of refrigerated delivery vans, warehouse equipment, food processing, manufacturing, and packaging equipment Minnetonka Hennepin
TFC Poultry LLC Equipment Install a chilled water system to cool plant air and cool the process water used in high-pressure deboning machines Ashby Grant
U.S. 212 Beef Corporation Equipment Purchase Foss MeatMaster II x-ray analysis equipment and conveyor belt line equipment Buffalo Lake Renville

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Fiscal Year 2021

Business Name Type of Grant Project Summary City County
MN Meats and Markets (Schaefer's Market)

Equipment

Build meat processing and sausage production facility

Sauk Centre

Stearns

Harry's Frozen Foods

Equipment

Automate cheese application for frozen pizza

Elrosa

Stearns

Stickney Hill Dairy

Equipment

Increase milk processing with reverse osmosis/ultra filtration equipment

Rockville

Stearns

Milk and Honey Ciders

Equipment

Enhance shelf stabilization with beverage equipment purchase

Saint Joseph

Stearns

Backroad Meats Equipment Increase productivity of bacon with processing and packaging equipment Milaca Mille Lacs
ForageScape Farm, LLC Equipment Increase egg production with purchase of automated egg washing/candling equipment Onamia Mille Lacs
Foley Locker, Inc. Equipment Purchase grinder, tumbler, and sanitizing equipment Foley Benton
Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed Equipment Build out meat processing room and purchase equipment to grind, portion and package fresh grass-fed beef Becker Sherburne
Lower Sioux Indian Community Equipment Buy hemp processing equipment to process hemp hurd and make hempcrete Morton Renville
Schwarzrock Meat Market, Inc. Equipment Convert building for slaughter and hog processing, and purchase walk-in carcass cooler, refrigerated delivery truck, and other equipment Hutchinson McLeod
Vertical Malt Equipment Invest in ten-ton malting system Fisher Polk
Lorentz Etc., Inc. (Lorentz Meats) Equipment Build hide processing building and dry good packaging storage building and purchase equipment Cannon Falls Goodhue
Big River Beverage Company, LLC Equipment Increase production with purchase of brew kettle, keg washer, sanke kegs, and additional cold storage Goodview Winona
Austin Williams Equipment Acquire equipment for new meat processing center Brewster Nobles
Morgan's Meat Market Equipment Upgrade production equipment, purchase new smokehouse, and replace production room floor New Richland Waseca
Prairie Meats, Inc. Equipment Start second production line and resurface floor in processing, slaughter, and retail area Danube Renville
SnoPac Foods Equipment Purchase sliver sizer removal and conveyor equipment Caledonia Houston
Featherstone Farm Equipment Construct addition to warehouse and cooler upgrade Rushford Fillmore
Benson + Turner Foods, Inc. Equipment Construct USDA-inspected meat processing plant and purchase equipment Waubun Mahnomen
Clean Chickens and Co. Equipment Purchase truck and aluminum trailer for mobile poultry processing Elk River Sherburne
Zup's Market-Babbitt Equipment Buy sausage stuffer and linker to expand product line Babbitt Saint Louis
Love Creamery Equipment Remodel production facility and support ice cream production Two Harbors Lake
Ranchers Legacy US OP, LLC Equipment Integrate Tomahawk TM-400 forming system to increase production capacity Vadnais Heights Ramsey
Bare Honey, LLC Equipment Create single-serve honey processing and packaging Maplewood Ramsey
Sovereign Estate Winery Equipment Upgrade bottling line Waconia Carver
Concord Fresh Meat, Inc. Equipment Purchase Indoor cooler, rail system, refrigerated truck, indoor freezer unit, and processing cooler South St. Paul Dakota
Quebracho, LLC Equipment Sustain growth with purchase of new empanada press, food/meat grinder, and Robot Coupe continuous feed food processor Minneapolis Hennepin
Laune Bread, LLC Equipment Transform bakery and purchase equipment including bread oven Minneapolis Hennepin
Bang Brewing Company, LLC Equipment Increase production capacity with purchase of additional fermentation and lager tanks Saint Paul Ramsey
R&R Cultivation Equipment Purchase an indoor walk-in cooler, stainless steel tables, scales, reusable packaging containers, and an order preparation rack system Roseville Ramsey
Duluth Cider Equipment Expand cider production with new equipment Duluth Saint Louis
Midwest Meat, LLC Equipment Open custom exempt meat processing facility New York Mills Otter Tail

Foothills Orchard

Equipment

Complete fruit product lineup with equipment purchases

Little Falls

Morrison

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Fiscal Year 2020

Business Name Type of Grant Project Summary City County
Bergen Meat Processors

Equipment

Build a retail cutting room, sausage making area, smokehouse room, and food cooler to separate and expand retail and custom production

Windom

Jackson

Bolton Bees

Equipment

Purchase of an uncapping machine, wax press, plastic frames, and barrel warmer to streamline the extraction process, increase efficiency and product quality, and increase market access

Saint Paul

Ramsey

Camp Cider, LLC

Equipment

Purchase and installation of canning equipment to build out a canning space

Duluth

St. Louis

Cedar Crate Farm

Equipment

Addition of a new packshed to improve food safety and farm efficiency

Waldorf

Waseca

Clean Chickens and Co.

Equipment

Purchase of an aluminum trailer for mobile poultry processing to improve efficiency and safety

Elk River

Sherburne

Conger Meat Market

Equipment

Addition of a storage freezer to increase processing capacity

Conger

Freeborn

Dehmer's Meats, Inc.

Equipment

Purchase of a smokehouse, data loggers, and snack stick cutter to increase production

Saint Michael

Wright

Dover Processing, Inc.

Equipment

Purchase of a new vacuum stuffer and grinder to increase capacity

Dover

Olmsted

Greg's Meat Processing

Equipment

Purchase of a walk-in cooler and new refrigeration rack system to improve food safety by limiting overcrowding in existing cooler

Hampton

Dakota

Heartland Corn Products

Equipment

Purchase and installation of two new fermenters to increase ethanol production, corn processing, and fermentation capacity

Winthrop

Sibley

Hoyo

Equipment

Construction of 1,700 square foot production facility

Minneapolis

Hennepin

LocAle Brewing Company, LLC

Equipment

Purchase of a new glycol chiller, packaging equipment, kegs, hoses, and tanks to increase efficiency and expand markets

Mankato

Blue Earth

Lorentz Meat

Equipment

Purchase equipment for processing to add capacity and product variation to keep up with slaughter capacity

Cannon Falls

Goodhue

Midwest Elderberry Cooperative

Equipment

Purchase of four Moe rotary elderberry destemmers and two trailers with stabilizers for use by an increasing number of elderberry farmer-coop members in Minnesota

Minneapolis

Hennepin

Millerville Cooperative Creamery Association

Feasibility

Examine the feasibility of the plan to build a new butter processing plant to replace aged facility

Brandon

Douglas

Minnesota Native Landscapes

Equipment

Purchase of a Satake Color Sorter to improve seed cleaning operations

Otsego

Wright

NETZRO, SBC

Feasibility

Demonstrate feasibility of upcycling eggshell scrap into safe, high-quality ingredients for human and pet foods and supplements

Minneapolis

Hennepin

Other Half Processing

Equipment

Purchase of a refrigerated trailer to improve the quality and economics of raw beef hide collection

Minneapolis

Hennepin

Protein Sources Milling, LLC

Equipment

Purchase of an automated micro ingredient system to help improve production capacity and accuracy for finished swine feed rations

Mapleton

Blue Earth

Saltless Sea Urban Farm

Equipment

Build a wash station, walk-in cooler, solar dehydrator, and supplies for flower and herb processing to improve the quality and lifespan of fresh garden products

Duluth

St. Louis

Soyko International, Inc.

Equipment

Purchase cleaning, conditioning, and handling equipment for the soybean food grade plant expansion

Gary

Norman

Stony Creek Dairy

Equipment

Install a different pasteurization system and fill line to capture another market with another label and flavor and add a container hauling truck to the fleet

Melrose

Stearns

Stony Ridge Foods, Inc.

Equipment

Purchase and installation of an electric eye and four grain bins with conveyors and legs to create a second dry edible bean processing line

Benson

Swift

TFC Poultry

Equipment

Purchase of a mechanical separator to increase the quantity and value of residual turkey meat after de-boning processes

Ashby

Grant

The Good Acre

Equipment

Improve Incubator Kitchen Program by upgrading equipment to increase production and maintain a high level of food safety and by building a new loading area

Falcon Heights

Ramsey

University of Fisheries, LLC

Feasibility

Evaluate the feasibility of expanding into a new product line of crispy fish chips

Minneapolis

Hennepin

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Fiscal Year 2019

Business Name Type of Grant Project Summary City County
4 Directions Development Inc dba Red Lake Fishery Equipment Equipment and facility converting fish waste to liquid fertilizer Red Lake Beltrami
Auntie Annie’s Fields LLC Equipment Walk-in cooler and egg washer; Pouring concrete to improve truck loading and unloading Dundas Rice
Baker's Field Flour and Bread LLC Equipment Doughnut making equipment, burr mill, freezer Minneapolis Hennepin
Brand Farms Equipment Apple washing equipment, sizer, and conveyor Farmington Dakota
CannonBelles Cheese Equipment Cheese processing facility Northfield Dakota
Concept Processing LLC Equipment Creamery equipment and refrigerated transportation Melrose Stearns
Dehmer’s Meats Inc Equipment Food safety software and data loggers, utensil washer, meat slicer St. Michael Wright
Dombrovski Meats Equipment Three smokehouses, slicer, drying room Foley Benton
Doppeleichen Vineyards Equipment Wine production building and equipment New Ulm Brown
Doubting Thomas Farms Equipment Grain cleaning equipment, bag sewer, bird spikes, auger, and storage area Moorhead Clay
Epitome Energy Equipment Equipment for soybean crush and bio-diesel production facility Red Wing Goodhue
First District Association Equipment Cheese processing equipment for block cheese Litchfield Meeker
Fresha LLC Equipment Facility and equipment to store, sort, wash, and package fresh carrots for the whole sale market Morris Stevens
Grandma's Gourmets LLC Equipment Co-packing facility Albert Lea Freeborn
Greg’s Meat Processing LLC Equipment Remodeled sausage and smokehouse production areas; refrigeration for production area Hampton Dakota
Grlk LLC Equipment Food processor, piton filler, utility cart, and air compressor West St. Paul Dakota
Heartland Corn Products Equipment Stillage tank; Converts distiller grains to animal feed  Winthrop Sibley
Heartland Corn Products Inc Equipment Upgrades to corn milling and grain receiving pit & leg at ethanol plant Winthrop Sibley
Itasca County Equipment Gas-fired kiln, six way splitter, and baskets to allow for improved drying of lumber for campfire wood Grand Rapids Itasca
Kate Ingrid Paul (Owl Forest Farm) Equipment Storage and processing facility with walk-in cooler for produce and cut flowers  Iron St. Louis
Lake Haven Custom Meat Processing LLC Equipment Data logger, smoker, stuffer, slicer, and mixer for poultry processing Sturgeon Lake Pine
Lakes Area Cooperative Equipment Meat smoker Perham Otter Tail
L'Etoile du Nord Vineyard LLC Equipment Wine making equipment Parkers Prairie Douglas
Lindsey Borst - Moo House Craft Dairy Equipment On-farm milk processing plant to bottle milk for direct sale to consumers Rochester Olmsted
Lingen Dairy Soft Serve Equipment Soft serve ice cream truck Balaton Murray
Lucas W Peterson (Peterson Farms) Equipment Grain cleaning facility  Dawson Lac qui Parle
Mackenthun's Meats & Deli Equipment Concrete floor; circulation venting for freezer floor  St. Bonifacius Hennepin
McDonald’s Meats Inc Equipment Remodeled meat processing facility to meet food safety standards Clear Lake Sherburne
Medford Creek Natural Apiaries Equipment Automatic capper Medford Steele
Metz's Hart-Land Creamery Equipment Vat pasteurizer, holding tank, hardening cabinet, freezer, and delivery vehicle for gelato production  Rushford Winona
NewStarch Solutions LLC Equipment Modified single screw extruder to convert corn starch resin into corn starch sheets Plymouth Hennepin
Northern Pride Equipment Upgraded packaging equipment with case erector, box former, and robotic palletizing capabilities; Automated injection equipment  Thief River Falls Pennington
Oak Meadow Meats Equipment Horizontal slicer Harmony Dakota
Ole's Up Nort Meats & Processing Equipment Meat processing facility Henning Otter Tail
Organic Breezy Hill LLC Equipment Pasteurizer for the bottling of organic apple juice and associated physical improvements to address food safety issues Maple Lake Wright
Prairie Meats Inc Equipment Meat processing and retail facility Danube Renville
Regeneration Farms Equipment Mobile poultry processing unit Northfield Rice
RGI Rental LLC (dba Backroad Meats) Equipment Meat processing facility and equipment Milaca Mille Lacs
Rod's Berry Farm Equipment Used cooler to store berries post-harvest North Branch Chisago
RS Grain LLC Equipment Cleaning and sorting equipment for small grains Euclid Polk
Sawtooth Mountain Maple Syrup Co Equipment Maple syrup evaporating equipment Grand Marais Cook
Schaefer’s Market Equipment Smokehouse Sauk Centre Stearns
Spring Wind Farm LLC Equipment Construction of a packshed and related equipment to support CSA Northfield Dakota
Star of the North Bean LLC Equipment Cleaning, packaging, and conveyor equipment to put dry beans into reusable square plastic containers Gary Norman
Stittsworth Smokehouse Co Equipment High throughput meat processing equipment Turtle River Beltrami
TFC Poultry Equipment X-Ray machine for turkey processing to detect physical contaminants in boneless turkey products  Ashby Grant
V M Grocery Locker Equipment Retail store and sausage kitchen Leota Nobles
Valley Butchery and Meat Market LLC Equipment Smokehouse, walk-in cooler, saw, grinder, linker, cutting tables, and freezer Spring Valley Fillmore
Wiste’s Meat Market LLC Equipment Meat processing, packaging, and refrigeration equipment Janesville Waseca
Yker Meat Co LLC Equipment Butchering facility; mobile sausage making unit Carlton Carlton
Yker Meat Co LLC Equipment Equipment and facility to process and retail meat Carlton Carlton
Benson and Turner Foods LLC Feasibility Study Developing plan for a farm to table butcher shop with a USDA or state equivalent slaughter floor and processing plant Waubun Mahnomen
Blue Water Farms LLC Feasibility Study Creating a strategic plan and business roadmap for a sustainable, intensive system for production of walleye and saugeye Welch Goodhue
Dennis Egan, Epitome Energy Feasibility Study Planning for the construction of a crush facility to produce oil and meal from specialty bean crops Red Wing Goodhue
Lynn S Brakke Feasibility Study Evaluating the feasibility of selling a ground, dried, organic sugar beet product as a feed ingredient to certified organic dairies Moorhead Clay
MANNA Food Co-op Feasibility Study Investigating ways to improve the food distribution system between farmers/producers and businesses purchasing food (retail and food service) within a 100-mile radius of Detroit Lakes Detroit Lakes Becker
Simply Shrimp LLC Feasibility Study Evaluating the opportunities and risks of establishing two additional aquaculture facilities at the businesses current location Willmar Kandiyohi
Squash Blossom Farm Feasibility Study Assessing the feasibility of producing and marketing mead (honey wine) using locally sourced honey and fruits Oronoco Olmsted

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Fiscal Year 2018

Business Name Type of Grant Project Summary City County
Bare Honey Equipment Purchase of equipment needed to modernize the facility to include pallet storage, and update the label application process to meet the packaging requirements of Amazon.com Maplewood Ramsey
Bemidji Brewing Company LLC Equipment Purchase and installation of a brite tank as well as additional kegs, hoses, and a transfer pump to meet growing demand Bemidji Beltrami
Bushmills Ethanol Inc Equipment Purchase of equipment to increase ethanol production and generate on-site the majority of electricity it needs for production as well as provide capacity for future expansion Atwater Kandiyohi
Canosia Grove LLC Equipment Construction of a cidery adding value to the orchard yield, creating a market for other local fruit producers, growing the cider market and adding jobs to the local agriculture and agritourism industries Duluth St. Louis
Concept Processing Equipment Purchase of equipment as part of a three part expansion project: Creamery Manufacturing, Distribution Efficiency and Label Update, and Refrigeration Transportation Melrose Stearns
Curly Girlz Candy Equipment Remodel of a site for use as a commercial kitchen/manufacturing space including purchase of manufacturing equipment to meet current demand and expand markets Medford Steele
Double Take Salsa Equipment Purchase of kitchen equipment and facility improvements to start a commercial kitchen for increased production Edina Hennepin
Dutch House Confections, LLC Equipment Purchase of equipment and conversion of part of the facility into a packing room to sufficiently control the temperature and humidity to increase production and enter new markets Nelson Douglas
Foley Locker Inc Equipment Purchase of a slicer, cutting machine and automatic clipper in order to comply with food safety regulations as well as expansion of the product line Foley Benton
Foothills Orchard Equipment Purchase of the components for a commercial kitchen as well as a freezer and drive-in cooler for season extension Little Falls Morrison
Heartland Corn Products Equipment Installation of a cooling tower, distillation system, and molecular sieve bottles to increase overall capacity while debottlenecking areas that were limiting growth Winthrop Sibley
Hemp Acres LLC Equipment Purchase of seed storing, seed cleaning, pressing, and sifting equipment to make hemp oil and refined hemp cake as well as equipment for packaging and labeling Waconia Carver
Jenniges Meat Processing Equipment Purchase of a mixer, splitting saw, and vacuum sealer to increase volume and efficiency Brooten Stearns
Jirik Family Farms Equipment Purchase of maple syrup and honey processing equipment to improve efficiency, food safety and to add value to the products Kilkenny Le Sueur
KellyG's Equipment Purchase of a freezer to increase efficiency and production, meet consumer demand, and ensure food safety Bovey Itasca
Krenik's Meat Processing Inc Equipment Purchase of equipment upgrade and modernize small custom and retail meat processing facility, including more diverse products, increased production and improvement of efficiency and food safety Montgomery Le Sueur
Lakes Area Cooperative Equipment Purchase of a bacon slicer for retail and custom processing Perham Otter Tail
Lee Thomas Farm Equipment Purchase of grain cleaning, bagging, and stitching equipment to provide emerging market demands Moorhead Clay
Let's Dish! Equipment Purchase of equipment in expanded production space to increase volume of local processors/farms, expanded distribution as well as improving food safety Woodbury Washington
Loon Organics Inc Equipment Construction of a winterized GAP-compliant packshed and purchase of equipment to increase sales and markets of extended season produce through season extension activities, increased employment and food safety improvements Hutchinson McLeod
Lorentz Meats Equipment Renovation and improvements to equipment for the slaughter floor including installation of work systems, drainage system, conveyer system, and rail system to increase production capacity Cannon Falls Goodhue
Love Creamery Equipment Purchase of equipment and facility improvements to increase sales, improve food safety and meet customer demand Two Harbors Lake
Lupulin Brewing Equipment Installation of a new brew house, bright tanks, fermenters, cooler, chiller system, grain silo, and upgrade of utility system increase production, add value, and increase efficiency Big Lake Sherburne
Mackenthun's Meats and Deli Equipment Remodel of kitchen and prep area with purchase of a hot case and refrigerated prep case to increase sales, improve food safety and increase energy efficiency St. Bonifacius Hennepin
Minneapolis Cider Company LLC d/b/a Number 12 Cider House Equipment Establish an urban production facility and tap room for hard cider in Minneapolis to increase production, expand markets, and increase sales and visibility of Minnesota made hard cider Minneapolis Hennepin
Northern Pride Equipment Purchase of equipment to provide a more efficient and safe slaughter process Thief River Falls Pennington
Northern Waters Smokehaus Equipment Purchase of equipment to transfer meat processing, smoking and mail order operation to a new location to expand production to meet demand, produce more efficiency and safely, increase consumption of local products and expand markets Duluth St. Louis
Open Hands Farm LLC Equipment Construction of a drive-in cooler for vegetable storage in the fall and winter Northfield Rice
Papa George's Equipment Purchase of a refrigerated truck to access new markets Minneapolis Hennepin
Petty Brothers Meats Inc Equipment Construction of a new custom exempt slaughter facility and equipment Annandale Wright
Prairie Drifter Farm Equipment Expansion of packshed and purchase of equipment to increase food safety and product sales from the farm Litchfield Meeker
Sawtooth Mountain Maple Syrup Company Equipment Purchase of new maple syrup processing equipment to meet demand, expand markets and increase capacity Lutsen Cook
Schneider Custom Meats Equipment Purchase of a smokehouse and smoke generator to increase volume of meat and create new products to offer to customers Askov Pine
Sno Pac Foods Equipment Installation of two UVC emitter systems to increase the quality and safety of the produce grown and processed Caledonia Houston
Soyko International Equipment Completion of a new storage facility and installation of bagging/pelletizing equipment to increase production of food-grade soybeans, provide another marketing outlet for local farmers and diversify markets overseas Gary Norman
Stinson Meat Market Equipment Purchase of equipment to start a custom exempt butcher shop to provide the service needed by local producers as well as set up of a retail meat area Dakota Winona
Sunrise Flour Mill Inc Equipment Purchase of milling equipment to increase flour production, meet customer demand, and reduce risk quality and quantity North Branch Chisago
TFC Poultry Equipment Purchase of a wastewater treatment equipment to increase water efficiencies in response to increase demand for turkeys from previously purchased equipment Ashby Grant
Torg Brewery Equipment Purchase of a brewhouse system and facility improvements to update current space into a production facility to increase sales Andover Anoka
Waxwing Farm Equipment Installation of a commercial walk in cooler and purchase of additional washing and sorting equipment to store more produce at optimum temperatures for longer periods of time Webster Rice
Whistling Well Farm Equipment Purchase and installation of a stainless steel apple washing unit and variable speed brushes it improve food safety and fruit quality Hastings Dakota
White Earth Band of Chippewa Tribe Equipment Purchase of equipment to increase profitability and expand markets of Native American produced products in the White Earth Reservation and Minnesota White Earth Becker
Bent River Organics Feasibility Study Explore adding value to dried garlic scapes and black garlic as seasoning and health benefits through further processing Mankato Blue Earth
Bushmills Ethanol Inc Feasibility Study Bushmills would like to explore the feasibility of purchasing additional equipment and expanding ethanol production by 20 Million gallons Atwater Kandiyohi
Sunrise Flour Mill Inc Feasibility Study Sunrise Flour Mill wants to expand their product line while incorporating other MN grains into their product line North Branch Chisago
Winona's Hemp Feasibility Study Winona’s Hemp is requesting funding to complete a feasibility study to develop a small scale artisan processing for hemp fiber, fabric, paper and by-products that would include capital costs and markets opportunities Ponsford Becker

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Fiscal Year 2017

Business Name Type of Grant Project Summary City County
Al-Corn Clean Fuel LTD Equipment Overhaul of corn processing facility and construction of dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) storage silos to improve efficiency and profitability of production of value-added products, including DDGS Claremont Dodge
Alexis Bailly Vineyard Equipment Purchase of a bladder press to increase sales and profitability of the business by improving quality of the wine Hastings Dakota
Ann River Vineyard LLC Equipment Construction of a winery facility and purchase of grape and wine processing equipment to diversify market channels and increase economic sustainability of the farm Mora Kanabec
Belgrade Meat Center Equipment Purchase of two Pro Smoker Smoke Houses increasing production to expand sales in on-site retail store to meet demand Belgrade Stearns
Big Steer Meats Equipment Purchase of dual printing scales, walk-in freezer, ball former and knee lever stainless steel sinks to address food safety and increase efficiency and number of meat products and thereby expand sales St. Paul Ramsey
Bolton Bees Equipment Facility improvements to a new honey house to improve efficiency, increase production and improve food safety St. Paul Ramsey
Buckwheat Growers Association Equipment Purchase of equipment to modernize facility to increase processing efficiency and capacity, shelf life, and increase sales Menahga Wadena
Carl's Lefse Equipment Purchase of several pieces of equipment to increase food safety, production capacity and efficiency to meet increased demand and expand markets Hawley Clay
City Foods Studio LLC Equipment Install and purchase walk-in cooler/freezer unit, exhaust hood, sink and upgraded electrical service to increase production, storage capacity and number of start-up food production businesses that can utilize this incubator kitchen Minneapolis Hennepin
Conger Meat Market LLC Equipment Build new walk-in cooler, knock boxes, rails and racking and purchase equipment to increase efficiencies, expand number of value-added meat products, and enter new wholesale markets Conger Freeborn
Country Blossom Farm LLC Equipment Purchase of several pieces of equipment to process fruit and crust ingredients more efficiently, meet increased demand, increase sales and add to value-added offerings Alexandria Douglas
Dehmer's Meats Inc Equipment Facility upgrades and installation of a smokehouse and purchase a sausage mixer and water activity meter kit to be able to safely produce new product lines St. Michael Wright
Dombrovski Meats Equipment Purchase of a jerky packaging machine and smokehouse to increase efficiencies in production and packaging to increase sales Foley Benton
Dover Processing Inc Equipment Purchase of a Vacuum Packaging System to increase efficiency of packaging, sales, and expanding to new markets Dover Olmsted
Dumpling and Strand, Noodlers at Large LLC Equipment Purchase and install a modified atmosphere packaging tray sealer to increase production rates and shelf life and enter new markets Minneapolis Hennepin
Erdmans County Market Equipment Purchase and install a roll stock vacuum packing machine, automatic tie clipper, water activity meter, pH meter, refrigerated cooler, and wireless data loggers to address food safety requirements as increase product line and production efficiency Kasson Dodge
Glacial Grains Spirits Equipment Purchase of equipment to being processing organic distillers grains produced from MN-sourced organic corn which will expand and diversify markets Benson Swift
Grandmas Gourmets LLC Equipment Purchase and install a steam kettle and food processor to enhance production efficiencies, increase capacity, and expand sales to new wholesale accounts Albert Lea Freeborn
Greg's Meat Processing Equipment Purchase of automated slicer, stainless steel equipment, and patty former to produce new products, expand private label and wholesale markets which will increase profitability Hampton Dakota
Guardian Energy LLC Equipment Installation of a fermenter to increase ethanol production, improved yields, and better per gallon energy efficiency Janesville Waseca
Heart O' Lakes Quality Meats Equipment Purchase two freezer units and construction of an addition to be able to slaughter more livestock and further process more retail meat Pelican Rapids Otter Tail
JonnyPops LLC Equipment Purchase and install new equipment for each area of the manufacturing line to increase production capacity and efficiency while reducing food safety risks St. Louis Park Hennepin
Kettle River Pizza Inc Equipment Conversion and improvement of cooler to freezer to improve process of shipping and handling, and increase production, sales, and profitability Askov Pine
K-FAITH LLC dba the Meat Shoppe Equipment Facility improvements to bring facility up to codes and allow as licensing as wells as purchase of walk-in cooler and retail case to increase market access to livestock processing services Granite Falls Yellow Medicine
Klein Foods Inc Equipment Purchase of equipment to improve efficiency in honey processing and meet FMSA requirements with traceability to boost sales Marshall Lyon
Lang's Meat Market LLC Equipment Purchase and install two retail fresh meat refrigeration cases and two freezer doors to maintain quality and ensure food safety of meat products to maintain customer base Gaylord Sibley
Loon Liquors Equipment Purchase of equipment to increase all sides of production: mashing, fermentation, distillation, storage and bottling with each piece designed to increase food safety Northfield Rice
Mackenthun's Meats and Deli Inc Equipment Purchase and install a large freezer to enable production of a larger variety of sausages and increase profits St. Bonifacius Hennepin
McDonald's Meats Inc Equipment Construction of a large addition to their slaughtering and meat processing facility to expand market outlets by processing more local livestock and expanding product offerings Clear Lake Sherburne
Michael G Erickson Farms Equipment Purchase of a grain cleaning unit to prepare hemp for further processing which will diversify farm income and increase profitability of farm business East Grand Forks Polk
Mighty Axe Hops Equipment Purchase equipment to process local hops into pellets to enable sales to more markets and increase profitability of hop farmers' businesses Foley Benton
Mills Locker Plant Equipment Purchase a vacuum stuffer with a twist linker to increase uniformity of meat products and efficiency of production New York Mills Otter Tail
Minnesota Syrup Co Equipment Purchase and install an updated and larger evaporator to increase syrup quality, food safety and efficiency of syrup production Finland Lake
Nelson Shine Produce Equipment Purchase of equipment and upgrades to the poultry processing plant to increase processing efficiency and food to safety, diversify markets and continue business growth Brainerd Crow Wing
Odenthal Meats Equipment Expand and remodel processing facility including purchase of equipment to create for efficient production flow, improve food safety and maintain current private label markets New Prague LeSueur
Ody's Country Meats & Catering Inc Equipment Construction of a drip cooler to increase food safety and production efficiency and capacity of meat products from local beef and hogs Spring Valley Fillmore
River Rock Kitchen & Baking Co Equipment Purchase of equipment including a walk in cooler and walk in freezer to expand production as well as flooring, sink and steel work tables to increase food safety St. Peter Nicollet
Schroeder Meats LLC Equipment Purchase a larger carcass splitting saw to decrease splitting time, increase food safety, and benefit local livestock producers New Germany Carver
Seeds Farm Equipment Build a new space and purchase equipment to wash, process, prepare and store vegetables to meet food safety standards, improve efficiency and increase market access Northfield Rice
Smude Enterprises LLC Equipment Purchase a filter system and new equipment for custom bottling of oils to diversify markets and services Pierz Morrison
Sogn Valley Orchard Equipment Facility improvements to improve the efficiency of apple washing and packaging to increase sales Dennison Goodhue
Stittsworth Meats Equipment Construction of new building for USDA ready to eat processing and new USDA Mobile slaughter trailer to diversify local livestock farmers and increase processing capacity Bemidji Beltrami
TFC Poultry Equipment Purchase and install 2 water jet deboners and peripheral equipment to enhance food safety, meat processing efficiency and production and thereby expand markets Ashby Grant
The Good Acre Equipment Purchase of four pieces of processing equipment to increase market access for underserved farmers Falcon Heights Ramsey
The Hess Meat Market Equipment Purchase of two commercial trailers and an enclosed trailer to market to open up a new revenue stream, build a customer base, and increase profits from the farm Victoria Carver
Valley Natural Meats Inc Equipment Facility and equipment costs to retrofit a plant according to food safety requirements to increase niche MN livestock producers' market access Northfield Rice
Vertical Malt Equipment Purchase equipment to increase processing efficiencies, capacity and types of products produces to grow the business to be sustainable Fisher Polk
Von Hanson's Plymouth Equipment Purchase of equipment to increase food safety, produce more meat products, as well as market more efficiently to increase sales and generate more sales Plymouth Hennepin
Buckwheat Growers Feasibility Study Buckwheat Growers determined if a retail environment might be a way to increase sales of their products Wadena Wadena
Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co Feasibility Study Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company evaluated emerging technologies in the advanced biofuels and biochemical industry Benson Swift
Glacial Grain Spirits Feasibility Study Glacial Grains Spirits (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company) determined the potential market for organic dried distillers grains production Benson Swift
L'Etoile du Nord Vineyard LLC Feasibility Study Explored the possibility of higher utilization of the wine making equipment by using it to produce grape wine, mead, and other fruit wines Parkers Prairie Douglas
Mark Lange Feasibility Study Explored the feasibility of adding an on farm dairy processing facility to the existing dairy operation, and to market local, primarily grass-fed, Vat-Pasteurized fluid milk, and butter Sherburn Martin
Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Beet Cooperative Feasibility Study Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative studied expanding the further processing of surplus sugar beets, sugar beet co-products, and their waste stream by-products Renville Renville

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Fiscal Year 2016

Business Name Type of Grant Project Summary City County
Alemar Cheese Equipment Purchase a new vat and refrigerated truck, and make facility improvements to expand markets Mankato Blue Earth
Askegaard Organic Farm Equipment Purchase equipment and make electrical upgrades to mill the flaxseed on farm and improve packaging efficiency Moorhead Clay
Bakers' Acres LLC Equipment Purchase a brush washer to increase efficiency and expand wholesale sales, including to schools Avon Stearns
Bergen Meat Processors Equipment Build expansion and purchase equipment for meat processing and retail areas to increase number of product lines Windom Jackson
Bio Wood Processing LLC Equipment Purchase a Rotochopper and colorizer to be able to produce mulch and enter new markets Faribault Rice
Bongards Creameries Equipment Construct a refrigerated warehouse and connect it to the processing plant to improve efficiency and productivity to increase co-op's cheese production for USDA commodity programs and schools Norwood Carver
Burt's Meats and Poultry LLC Equipment Build a large expansion with a cooler and freezer to improve processing efficiency and capacity Eyota Olmsted
Butcher Block Equipment Retrofit a building and purchase equipment to initiate a custom meat processing business that complies with food and meat safety regulations and serves local hog producers Fairmont Martin
Carl's Lefse Inc Equipment Purchase equipment to increase storage space, handling efficiency, and processing capacity Hawley Clay
Chickenhead Farm Equipment Purchase equipment, including a refrigerated truck, and make facility improvements to initiate an inspected goat and sheep slaughtering business Silver Lake McLeod
Edel's Meat Market Equipment Purchase deli cases and new flooring to be compliant with food code Montgomery Le Sueur
French Lake Butcher Shop Equipment Purchase and install a walk-in freezer to increase efficiency and enable continued growth of production and sales South Haven Wright
French Lake Butcher Shop Equipment Purchase a slicer to produce new meat products and increase efficiency and number of retail outlets South Haven Wright
Hmong American Farmers Association Equipment Construct an aggregation facility for growers in their Alternative Markets Program, which will increase food safety and access to additional markets, including retailers and schools St. Paul Dakota
Hugh's Gardens Equipment Purchase and install a potato washer to increase profitability and product quality and begin processing carrots Moorhead Norman
James Jirik Equipment Construct and equip a maple syrup processing facility to increase production and syrup quality Kilkenny Rice
Jazzy Foods LLC Equipment Build custom pans and shaper tool to increase the efficiency of production and profitability of a new frozen pork appetizer production business St. Paul Ramsey
Keepsake Cidery Equipment Purchase a pasteurizer, construct a cooler, and upgrade HVAC system to extend marketing season and increase food safety and product quality Dundas Rice
Krenik's Meat Processing Inc Equipment Purchase equipment to improve food safety and packaging efficiency, including convection ovens, temp logger, scale and vacuum packager Montgomery Rice
Krenzke Meats Equipment Install flooring in the cooler and cutting room to meet food safety regulations and maintain current markets St Charles Winona
Lakes Area Cooperative Equipment Install a large walk-in freezer, expand meat processing and packaging rooms, and purchase a roll stock packager to improve food safety, processing capacity, and efficiency Perham Otter Tail
L'Etoile du Nord Vineyard LLC Equipment Purchase equipment and retrofit a building into a wine production facility to diversify markets and increase profitability Parkers Prairie Douglas
Living Greens Farm Inc Equipment Purchase flooring, walls, cooler and refrigerated truck to increase food safety, packaging, and distribution of aeroponically grown produce year-round Faribault Rice
Love Creamery Equipment Purchase ice cream maker, hardening cabinet, and transportation freezer to increase production and food safety for wholesale distribution Two Harbors Lake
Mankato Brewery Equipment Purchase fermenters and heating and cooling tanks, and renovate facility to increase production capacity North Mankato Nicollet
Mariner Farms LLC Equipment Purchase and install a biomass furnace, LED lighting, electrical service, and nutrient water flow system to remodel and expand a greenhouse and start an aquaponics business Lutsen Cook
McDonald's Meats Inc Equipment Purchase a smokehouse, vacuum stuffer, double clipper, and packaging machine to increase production capacity expand private label accounts Clear Lake Sherburne
Minnesota Valley Business Development Co Equipment Purchase produce processing and traceability equipment and vehicles to increase efficiency, capacity and food safety Mankato Blue Earth
Mississippi Topsoils Inc Equipment Purchase two in-vessel composting units, biofilter, and support equipment to serve larger volume compost-user markets Cold Spring Stearns
Mixmi Brands Inc Equipment Purchase and install equipment and refrigeration to increase capacity to serve school and retail markets Fridley Anoka
My Minnesota Farmer LLC Equipment Construct a temperature-controlled packing house and produce warehouse to increase food safety, efficiency, and processing capacity to expand wholesale accounts and marketing season Montgomery Le Sueur
Nelson Grass Farm Equipment Purchase an egg washing machine and other equipment to increase efficiency, food safety and sales of eggs and enable expansion of customer base Ogilvie Kanabec
Northern Excellence Seed LLC Equipment Retrofit unused space and purchase cleaning, grain handling, storage, color sorter, and accessory equipment to increase quality and food safety of cleaned soybeans to expand markets and diversify producers' markets Williams Lake of the Woods & Roseau
Red Table Meat Company LLC Equipment Purchase an oven to increase processing of hogs Minneapolis Hennepin
Redhead Creamery LLC Equipment Purchase a cream separator, butter churn, and dip tank to initiate production of specialty butter and expand variety of products and increase profitability of on-farm creamery Brooten Stearns
Sapsucker Farms Equipment Purchase 12 oz bottling and labeling machine and cold pasteurization system to increase efficiency and volume of hard cider produced to expand distribution Mora Kanabec
Sno Pac Foods Equipment Purchase and install UVC emitter systems in refrigerated storage and packaging areas to improve food safety and continue compliance with food safety regulations Caledonia Houston
So Good Brand Inc Equipment Purchase high pressure beverage juice processing equipment to expand sales from regional to national markets Minneapolis Hennepin
St. Joseph Meat Market Inc Equipment Purchase a sausage stuffer and packaging and retail freezer equipment to increase efficiency, marketing, and food safety St. Joseph Stearns
Stony Creek Dairy Equipment Purchase milk processing, monitoring and labeling equipment, and refrigerated trucks, and upgrade distribution facilities to increase efficiency and food safety Melrose Stearns
Terroir Chocolate Equipment Purchase stone grinder, mill, grain separator, ice cream maker and refrigeration to increase production capacity sell to more retail markets Fergus Falls Otter Tail
Timbersweet Equipment Expand the bottling room, syrup cold storage, and commercial kitchen to increase efficiency of bottling and number of product offerings Cohasset Itasca
Union Pizza & Brewing Company Equipment Improve equipment and facility to start production and distribution of non-alcoholic craft beverages Fergus Falls Otter Tail
Vertical Malt Equipment Purchase steeping tanks, malting chambers, HVAC and kiln needed to start commercial production of craft malt products Fisher Polk
Weiss Asparagus Farm Equipment Construct a building and purchase processing and packaging equipment to increase efficiency and profits Red Lake Falls Red Lake
Welcome Meats Inc Equipment Purchase a smokehouse and pellet generator with data logger system to improve meat product quality and increase product offerings Welcome Martin
Willmar Downtown Development Inc Equipment Retrofit a historic building into a food hub and commercial kitchen that will be used to clean, store, process, and aggregate local products Willmar Kandiyohi
Associated Milk Producers Inc Feasibility Study Conduct a feasibility study to expand the cheese and whey plant located in the city of Paynesville, Minn. New Ulm  Brown
Berning Family Dairy Inc Feasibility Study Exploring the idea of building a creamery to supply local milk to the local school districts Albertville Wright
Best Animal Utilization LLC Feasibility Study Exploring the feasibility focused on organic and grass-fed byproduct markets (tallow, gelatin, leather) further adding value to this commodity Minneapolis  Hennepin
Bluebird Gardens Feasibility Study Determine if partnerships between producers and regional processors have an expressed interest in receiving leafy greens and vegetables that are ready for use (Chopped and bagged salad mixes, peeled and chopped vegetables), to provide a year-round local supply of fresh greens and vegetables through hydroponic or aquaponics systems Fergus Falls Otter Tail
Country Blossom Farm LLC Feasibility Study Explore a value-added business idea is to develop and increase sales into 1) baked goods, and 2) dehydrated products into local wholesale outlets, food-hubs, and on-farm sales (total 2014 sales $35,000) and farmers markets Alexandria Douglas
Epitome Energy Feasibility Study Conduct a feasibility study for a new commercial scale biodiesel production facility (30 million gallons) to be located in Northeastern Minnesota Red Wing Goodhue
Minnesota Dehydrated Vegetables Inc Feasibility Study Explore the possibility of producing pea protein powder through either a dry milling/air classification system or a wet fractionation process Fosston Polk
Project Sweetie Pie Feasibility Study Explore a new venture to transform an existing greenhouse and florist retail space that faces onto a new bike greenway into a revenue generating business and a urban farm located on land that is zoned for industrial use Minneapolis Hennepin
The Urban Farmhands Feasibility Study Explore the further processing of microgreens into a more widely available through shelf-stable products, beginning with powders Minneapolis Hennepin

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Fiscal Year 2015

Business Name Type of Grant Project Summary City County
11 Wells Spirits Company LLC Equipment Purchase fermenters, bottling and grain handling equipment to enable entrance into Canadian market; Build a cocktail tasting room to enter a new type of market St. Paul Ramsey
APPLE JACK ORCHARDS LLC Equipment Upgrade value-added business to be able to make all apple bakery products on-farm and increase profitability Delano Wright
Autumn Woods Farm LLC Equipment Construct a loading dock and add a second pasteurizer to meet demand for product Forest Lake Washington
Backus Locker LLC Equipment Install a compressor, and upgrade the floor to improve safe food handling and increase the amount of meat processed Backus Cass
Badger Seed LLC Equipment Purchase and install palletizer for packaging turf grass seed to access markets Roseau Roseau
Bakers' Acres LLC Equipment Expansion and improvements to packaging room for food safety and traceability during field harvest; Washing equipment to expand for CSA, farm-to-school and wholesale markets Avon Stearns
Bemidji Brewing Company LLC Equipment Purchase equipment to triple production and meet the demand; Will purchase more Minnesota sourced or grown barley malts and hops Bemidji Beltrami
Bemidji Downtown Meats Inc Equipment Construct a new facility to process and sell more retail and wholesale products as an equal-to meat processing facility and meet the growing demand for locally raised meat Bemidji Beltrami
Big Steer Meats Equipment Enlarge facility and purchase meat processing equipment to increase efficiency and processing capacity to enter new markets and improve food safety St. Paul Ramsey
Blue Earth Locker Equipment Purchase smokehouse to produce more Ready-to-Eat products and expand markets; Also temperature probes for all coolers and freezers to improve food safety Blue Earth Faribault
Bluebird Gardens Equipment Refrigerated trucks and crates to increase market access and enable entrance into Farm to Institution program Fergus Falls Otter Tail
Brandt Gardens & Greenhouse LLC Equipment Walk in cooler and freezer and scale to increase food safety, marketability, and diversify farm business Lakefield Jackson
Carlos Creek Winery Equipment A large expansion project to modernize wine processing facility; Will increase efficiency, processing capacity, food safety and access to new markets Alexandria Douglas
Clover Valley Farms LLC Equipment Create dry and heated storage rooms, produce washing/ packing areas and improve labeling to increase efficiency and marketing of value-added products Duluth St. Louis
Dehmer's Meats Inc Equipment Purchase three scales to enable access to wholesale and private label accounts for homestyle sausages; Project will address food safety St. Michael Wright
ENKI Brewing Company Equipment Purchase brewing, quality control and packaging equipment, and cold and ambient storage to triple production capacity and purchase more Minnesota grown ingredients Victoria Carver
Falk's Seed Farm Equipment A seed color sorter and the essential facility upgrades and equipment; Will improve the quality and food safety of cleaned seeds to retain customers and access new markets Murdock Swift
Featherstone Fruits and Vegetables LLC Equipment Purchase conveyors, pallet scale and refrigerated delivery van to increase sales by improving efficiency, food safety, and market access Rushford Filmore
Foley Locker Inc Equipment Acquire smoke houses, meat packaging machine, and temperature data loggers to increase efficiency, production and food safety; should diversify markets Foley Benton
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery LLC Equipment Purchase bottling line, tanks, keg washer and filler to expand distribution of hard cider to more retail outlets Spring Valley Mower
French Lake Butcher Shop Equipment Purchase a utensil washer to improve efficiency and food safety to help meet increasing custom processing and retail customer demand South Haven Wright
Greg's Meat Processing Equipment Purchase a ventilation hood and meat tumbler to diversify markets; Also a labeling system and moisture tester to comply with new food safety requirements Hampton Dakota
Greg's Meats Equipment Purchase a blast freezer to process more cattle and hogs for local farmers; Purchase label making scale system, and traceability equipment to address food safety Hampton Dakota
Idle Acres Equipment Expand, upgrade and equip current facilities, including a truck scale, to process alfalfa and grass into a Total Mixed Ration food biscuit Cokato Wright
Isanti Spirits LLC Equipment Purchase distillation and processing equipment to increase market access to a regional and international distribution level Isanti Isanti
K & K Dairy Equipment Establish a creamery to make dairy products and a restaurant to sell pizzas using their mozzarella cheese and beef products Pine Island Goodhue
Lau's Meats LLC Equipment Repair floor in current meat processing facility and purchase retail sale equipment in 2nd location to expand market access and increase sales Waseca Waseca
Lorentz Etc. Inc DBA Lorentz Meats Equipment Remodel the cutting floor area, including installation of a conveyor system, to optimize space and keep up with increased capacity in other areas of the facility Cannon Falls Goodhue
Mankato Brewery Equipment Obtain fermenters, brite tanks and upgraded water system to increase production capacity and beer quality; Upgrade the taproom to increase market access North Mankato Nicollet
McDougall's Apple Junction Equipment Increase the storage capacity and length of marketing time of apples by construction of a refrigerated cooler that will be accessible with a fork lift Hastings Washington
Metz's Hart-Land Creamery Equipment Purchase a 2nd cheese vat to increase efficiency and production capacity; This will enable access to additional markets with different cheeses, and increases in sales Rushford Winona
Metz's Hart-Land Creamery Equipment Purchase a power cheese curd mill, service counter scale, refrigerated delivery truck, flash freezer and retail refrigeration to make the creamery more efficient, food safe and increase market access Rushford Winona
Minnesota Elderberry Cooperative Equipment Purchase a mobile de-stemmer, stainless steel sinks and baskets, and food grade buckets to safely process and store elderberries for commercial and retail market Minneapolis Hennepin
Minnesota Valley Business Development Equipment Purchase processing equipment and additional refrigeration to expand the sale of locally grown produce to institutions Mankato Blue Earth
Mississippi Topsoils Inc Equipment Install a climate-controlled storage warehouse to increase production throughout the year and enable access to the new greenhouse grower market Cold Spring Stearns
Norseman Distillery LLC Equipment Purchase fermenter tanks and a hammer mill grinder to triple production and increase their purchases of locally grown grains Minneapolis Hennepin
Open Hands Farm LLC Equipment Build a root vegetable storage facility, add refrigeration equipment and storage bins to improve food safety, enable extension of the marketing season and access to new markets Northfield Dakota
Prairie Drifter Farm Equipment Purchase fencing, pack shed sorting surfaces, containers, a brush washer, and improvements to the pack shed to increase field quality of produce, cleanliness, and efficiency of post harvest handling operations Litchfield Meeker
Robin Brekken Farms Inc Equipment Purchase a mobile grass pelletizing system including mobile generator, trailer, and scale to diversify markets and enable market access of damaged grains Crookston Polk
Sawtooth Mountain Maple Syrup Company Equipment Purchase and install larger reverse osmosis machine to increase production capacity and efficiency to allow expansion into new markets Grand Marais Cook
Schmidt's Meat Market Equipment Purchase a thermoforming packaging machine which supports their food safety plan, increases efficiencies, and should increase custom meat processing for local farmers Nicollet Nicollet
Schroeder Meats LLC Equipment Purchase Poly Clip System machine, data loggers and retail freezer case to produce more sausage and address efficiency and food safety concerns, including temperature control New Germany Carver
Seven Songs Organic Farm Equipment Create a food-safe washing and packing shed and dry storage area to increase packaging efficiency, market access and diversity of markets Kenyon Goodhue
Singing Hills Dairy Equipment Install equipment to improve food safety and a walk-in cooler for larger quantities of value-added goat dairy products; Will increase profitability and market access Nerstrand Rice
Sojourner Farms LLC (dba Sojos) Equipment Replace manufacturing line to meet increase in demand and new regulatory requirements; Will expand product lines, increase efficiency, food quality, and production to diversify markets Minneapolis Hennepin
SPROUT MN LLC Equipment Facility improvements and food processing equipment for a food hub to increase local producers' profitability and markets including institutions Brainerd & Little Falls Crow Wing & Morrison
St. Joseph Meat Market Inc Equipment Expansion/remodel of meat processing space to process more local livestock as well as address employee safety and food safety St. Joseph Stearns
Stickney Hill Dairy Equipment Expand and modernize goat cheesemaking facility to meet new food safety requirements and increase production to meet demand and diversify producer's markets Kimball Stearns
Sweet Cheeks Honey Equipment Purchase food-grade equipment to create a more sanitary processing system and increase market access; Includes implementation of a GAP food safety plan Cleveland Le Sueur
Sweetland Orchard LLC Equipment Purchase semi-automated packaging and labeling equipment, uv pasteurizer, and refrigerated delivery vehicle for greater market access and implement their food safety plan Webster Scott
Taylor Foods Inc dba Taylor Meats Equipment Purchase and install walk-in freezer/cooler units including 3 phase compressors to increase production capacity, diversify markets, and improve food safety of meat products Watertown Carver
The Lone Grazer Creamery Equipment Initiate a small creamery and cheese production facility using milk from grass-fed cows to produce specialty cheeses Minneapolis Hennepin
Wiste's Meat Market Equipment Expand processing area, install walk-in freezer and cooler, smokehouse and scales to increase efficiency, food safety, processing capacity and markets and to achieve Equal To status Janesville Waseca
Xochiquetzal LLC Equipment Facility improvements and equipment to start a commercial kitchen to enable the processing of produce, including ginger; Will diversify their markets and extend sales season St. Cloud Stearns

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Fiscal Year 2014

Business Name Type of Grant Project Summary City County
Alemar Cheese Company LLC Equipment Cold storage and other equipment to increase cheese processing capacity and diversify markets Mankato Blue Earth
Amundsen Farms Equipment Build egg processing facility with food safety measures to increase market diversity and market access for egg producers Duluth St. Louis
Apple Jack Orchards Equipment Equipment to keep in compliance with GAP, ensure fruit safety and expand wholesale market opportunities Delano Wright
Arlington Market Equipment Equipment to increase processing of local livestock and improve food safety Arlington Sibley
Autumnwood Farm LLC Equipment Equipment to initiate ice cream processing business for new market development Forest Lake Washington
Bemidji Downtown Meats Equipment Build retail space and cold storage to increase processing capacity and market access for local livestock Bemidji Beltrami
Big Steer Meats Equipment Smoke house and other equipment to expand production and allow expansion into new wholesale and retail markets St. Paul Ramsey
Cannon River Winery LLC Equipment Increase use of local grapes by purchasing tanks and other wine production equipment to increase sales to diverse markets Cannon Falls Goodhue
Carlos Creek Winery Equipment Change bottling line to increase bottling speed and options, marketing and sales to diverse markets Alexandria Douglas
Clover Valley Farms LLC Equipment Equipment to scale up culinary vinegar production; diversify markets to wholesale and retail sales Duluth St. Louis
Dick Stangler Seed Packaging Equipment Diversify local producers market access by purchasing a truck scale and packaging line Kilkenny Le Sueur
Eagan (City of) Equipment Improve food safety and market access; install electrical access to farmer's market vendors Eagan Dakota
Edel's Meat Market Equipment Equipment to expand livestock processing ability, diversify markets and improve food safety Montgomery Le Sueur
Evansville Meat Market Equipment Update building and equipment to upgrade to "equal to" meat processing to expand and diversify markets Evansville Douglas
Farm on St. Mathias Equipment Build licensed food processing facility and packing shed to increase market access and diversity for local producers Brainerd Crow Wing
Fergus Foods LLC Equipment Expand and diversify markets with packaging equipment to increase food safety and production of allergen free foods Fergus Falls Otter Tail
Foley Locker Inc Equipment Diversify markets by buying 2 smokehouses and equipment to process and pack meat on site Foley Benton
Food Farm Equipment Add storage and cooler building to store more vegetables and add equipment for food safety; Will diversify markets Wrenshall Carlton
Four Seasons Apiaries LLC Equipment Initiate business that breeds and sells honey bees to expand market access of Minnesota honey producers St. Paul Ramsey
Fruit Acres Inc Equipment Modernize apple production packing house and line to be GAP certified and increase market access La Crescent Houston
Gregory's Foods Inc Equipment Upgrade to increase frozen bun-line production and expand product type and markets Eagan Dakota
James Jirik Equipment Maple syrup processing equipment to improve safety and quality; also increase efficiency to expand marketing Kilkenny Le Sueur
Klein Foods Inc Equipment Increase production of fudge with purchase of freezer and sifter to diversify markets Marshall Lyon
Lake Haven Custom Meat Processing Equipment Build new facility and equipment to expand to processing local livestock to retail markets Sturgeon Lake Pine
Lamberton Meats Equipment Significant improvements of meat process facility to reopen business and expand market access Storden Cottonwood
Lavalier's Berry Patch and Orchard Equipment Bring in utilities and equipment to improve sanitation, reduce pesticides and expand market access to schools New Hope Hennepin
Lorentz Meats Equipment Build 4 season livestock handling facility and remodel slaughter area to increase processing of local livestock Cannon Falls Goodhue
Minnesota Valley Business Development Corp Equipment Retrofit warehouse into local food hub to increase small farmers' access to school and other markets Mankato Blue Earth
Mississippi Mushrooms LLC Equipment Retort-boiler system to decrease crop loss and contamination and increase production and market access Minneapolis Hennepin
Montgomery Orchard LLC Equipment Building, food safety and processing equipment to initiate sweet and hard apple cider business to diversify markets Savage Scott
Northcountry Producers LLC Equipment Increase market access and diversity through purchase of refrigeration, distribution equipment and mobile market vehicle Minneapolis Hennepin
Oak Knoll Farm Equipment New building for cooler, wash station and root cellar to increase production, quality and markets of CSA distribution hub Albert Lea Freeborn
Ody's Country Meats & Catering Equipment Retail freezer to increase local production and walk-in cooler to meet Minnesota food safety requirements Spring Valley Fillmore
Red Table Meat Company LLC Equipment Expand local hog processing and market access through purchase of additional processing and storage equipment Minneapolis Hennepin
Redhead Creamery LLC Equipment Diversify milk markets by building a cheese plant, including all equipment to produce, test and market cheese Brooten Stearns
Riviana Foods Equipment Forage bagger to increase processing capacity, decrease food spoilage and increase market access of locally cultivated wild rice Clearbrook Clearwater
Round Lake Vineyards Equipment Diversify markets by purchasing tanks and other wine production equipment to initiate full service winery business Round Lake Nobles
Schmidt's Meat Market Equipment Expand cooler to increase production and product line and diversify local livestock producers markets Nicollet Nicollet
Schneider's Meats Equipment Construct building and equipment for smoking to start local livestock processing business and diversify markets Askov Pine
Sno Pac Farms LLC Equipment Develop a Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) plan and food safety plan Caledonia Houston
Sno Pac Foods Equipment 3 large feed hopper tanks in vegetable line to eliminate food contamination and meet new food safety requirement Caledonia Houston
Sogn Valley Orchard Equipment Grinder and create certified refrigerated cider storage to diversify marketing to local schools Dennison Goodhue
Stony Creek Dairy LLC Equipment Dairy production equipment, expand distribution warehouse and refrigeration transportation to address all goals of grant program Melrose Stearns
Sweetland Orchard LLC Equipment Expand, prepare and equipment cidery room for hard cider production; diversify their and local orchards' markets Webster Rice
T & R Meat Processing LLC Equipment Freezer and update meat processing facility to comply with food safety codes to maintain market access Clearwater Wright
Terroir Chocolate Equipment Equipment to increase production capacity of organic, premium chocolate bars and diversify markets Fergus Falls Otter Tail
Whistling Well Farm Equipment Retail refrigeration and freezer units with electrical to enable marketing new products and address food safety Hastings Dakota
Hazelnut Oil Marketing Feasibility Study Business and marketing plan to purchase and distribute local, cold pressed hazelnut oil Lake City Wabasha
Hunt Utilities Group Feasibility Study Feasibility study to demonstrate need and viability of local foods facility within part of food hub network Pine River Cass
Irish Ridge Farm Feasibility Study Market analysis and plan for production and distribution of grass-fed beef in Southeastern Minnesota Winona Winona
Little Falls Development Center Feasibility Study Feasibility study to develop a business plan for food hub so local producers can access larger markets Little Falls Morrison
Minnesota Elderberry Cooperative Feasibility Study Develop business plan; how to operate, legal mechanisms and prospectus for elderberry producing cooperative Minneapolis Hennepin
Scandia Valley Dairy LLC Feasibility Study Conduct a feasibility study of goat cheese production business from Minnesota goat milk Brainerd Crow Wing
The Alchemy LLC Feasibility Study Develop business and marketing plan, recipe for Minnesota sugar beet vodka and obtain federal regulation approval for label Minneapolis Hennepin
The Big Dipper Creamery Feasibility Study Develop business and marketing plan to expand ice cream business that uses locally grown ingredients Blaine Anoka

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