ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
This application is for the renewal of Food and Agriculture Development Centers (FADC) from the FY 2024 funding cycle. If your organization is not currently funded as an FADC you are not eligible to apply. Funding is for the period August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2027. The application is due by 5:00 PM MST on May 19, 2025.
AUTHORIZATION
This program is authorized under the Montana Food and Agriculture Development Program as established in MCA 80-11-901 and is overseen by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) as described in MCA 90-9-202.
PROGRAM PURPOSE
The purpose of the Montana Food and Agriculture Development Center Program (FADC) is to increase the capacity of Montana’s farmers, ranchers and other agricultural entrepreneurs to serve both in- and out-of-state markets for food, farm-based renewable energy and other value-added agricultural products.
FADCs provide specialized technical assistance to Montana’s farmers, ranchers and value-added food, farm-derived renewable energy and other businesses that add value to agricultural products and resources.
AVAILABLE FUNDS
This opportunity is available only for renewal of Food and Agriculture Development Centers funded in the 2024 budget cycle. Those Centers may apply for up to the amounts listed in the table below.
| Eligible Organization |
2026 Budget |
| Mission West Community Development Partners |
$216,944 |
| Great Northern Development Corporation |
$159,722 |
| Snowy Mountain Development Corporation |
$150,416 |
| Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. |
$132,153 |
| Great Falls Development Authority, Inc. |
$118,889 |
| Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. |
$118,889 |
| Prospera Business Network |
$102,157 |
| Bear Paw Development Corporation |
$94,444 |
| Ravalli County Economic Development Authority |
$79,166 |
| Montana Business Assistance Connection, Inc. |
$78,610 |
| Montana West Economic Development |
$78,610 |
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Activities must develop Montana’s food processing infrastructure, support emerging agriculture technologies, or enhance opportunities to expand Montana’s agricultural economy.
Eligible activities also include technical assistance to existing and start-up Montana businesses and entrepreneurs pursuing opportunities in value-added agriculture, commodity processing infrastructure, food manufacturing, including the incorporation of emerging technologies and farm-derived renewable energy.
"Farm-derived renewable energy" means renewable energy produced from products developed by farmers and ranchers, as well as entrepreneurs, using Montana farm and ranch products. |
