We're no longer accepting applications for this year's program. Details on this page apply to the 2023 round of funding. The next application period opens in 2024.

The AGRI Value-Added Grant offers designated grants for value-added businesses (including bioenergy producers and hemp processors) to invest in equipment. The program is intended to increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products by investing in production capacity, market diversification, and market access for value-added products.

For the purposes of this grant, “value-added” is defined as the addition of value to an agricultural product through processing.

Small business owner standing next to meat cooler

Eligibility and funding priorities

Eligible applicants include:

  • Individuals
  • Farmers
  • Businesses
  • Agricultural cooperatives
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments

We will prioritize projects that:

  • Increase food safety
  • Increase hemp fiber production capacity
  • Are improvements for operations owned by individuals in historically underserved communities or for businesses that reflect historically underserved communities in the operation’s priorities

Amount available

We expect to award $3 million through the AGRI Value-Added and Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk (MPEM) Grants. Of this amount, at least $1.25 million will be awarded for projects impacting meat, poultry, egg, and milk processors.

Cash match

This grant requires a cash match. For the match:

  • You are responsible for 50% of the first $50,000 to receive up to a $25,000 reimbursement.
  • For costs after the first $50,000, you are responsible for 75% of the total remaining cost to receive 25% reimbursement, up to a maximum grant award of $150,000.

Example:

  • You are working on a project that is expected to cost $400,000.
  • We will reimburse $25,000 of the first $50,000 of expenses. After that, you would be eligible for $87,500 from the state and would have to contribute the remaining $262,500.
  • In total, you would be eligible for $112,500 from the state and you would pay for the other $287,500.
Table 1. Example $400,000 project showing the reimbursement amount and your contribution

Project Cost

Grant Reimbursement

Your Cost

First $50,000

$25,000

$25,000

Remaining $350,000

$87,500

$262,500

Total Cost: $400,000

$112,500

$287,500

Applying

The application period for this grant has ended. We expect the next application period to begin in 2024; check back for updated program materials.

To learn more about the program and start planning for next year, read last year's Value-Added Request for Proposals (RFP) (PDF). This grant program is subject to change so you should read the updated RFP when it's posted. You can also view our list of past projects and request a copy of an application to help you prepare. Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.

Relationship to the AGRI MPEM Grant

We’re running the Fiscal Year 2024 AGRI Value-Added and MPEM grants as a single program with two application tracks. You may only apply through one of the programs.

If you are a value-added business, we encourage you to use the Value-Added Grant application as it is tailored to your business.