Help for Colorado’s Ag Processors and Manufactures
New grant monies are available for Colorado’s food and ag processors and manufacturers.
The early days of the Coronavirus pandemic revealed the weaknesses in the US ag supply chain. State leaders are looking to address those issues which means addressing the financial barriers to start-ups and for established businesses wanting to adapt and expand.
Colorado’s Ag Commissioner Kate Greenberg announced the new funding while speaking to the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Greenberg; “We are launching a grant program for processors and manufacturers. We know how hard the livestock industry was hit when processing facilities shut down. We know how much stress smaller facilities are under as we see a huge spike in demand for local meat. We want to open up a new market for our livestock producers and take some of the pressure off the middle of the supply chain.”
According to the CDA, funds will be awarded based upon the project's expected economic impact, the potential for creating new jobs, and the focus on building resilience in agriculture. The idea is to ensure that the grant funds will contribute to generating new value-added or production opportunities, increasing existing capacity, or creating greater diversification.
The Move the Needle Grants total $312, 000. The CDA is accepting applications through April 14th. Funds will be capped at $100, 000 for each business applying. The state says recipients will be notified by the first of June. All projects awarded grant money will need to be completed by the end of the year. The CDA website has information on how to apply.
