The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through development of new agricultural products and processes. The GTA program is administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture with counsel from the Agriculture Development Council.
For more detailed information on the program, what is eligible for funding and what the requirements would be, click here for the GTA Program Guidelines, and refer to the "To Apply for Funding" section below.
The Council may make a grant or loan if it determines a project is consistent with the goals of the Growth Through Agriculture Act. Projects should primarily add value to Montana's agricultural products and have the potential to create and/or retain jobs in Montana.
BEFORE beginning the application process, the applicant should be able to document exactly how the project will expand Montana agriculture. The growth could be measurable either in terms of increased sales (by dollar amount or percentage) or in number of jobs created.
The Council strongly urges applicants to contact the Food and Agricultural Development Center network, Small Business Development Center network, and their local economic development organization for assistance with their GTA application, financial projections, business and marketing plans as necessary.
Projects may potentially be funded in a single application for a maximum total amount of $150,000 in the form of grant funding up to $50,000 and loan funding up to $100,000. Examples of project activities involve equipment purchases, advertising and promotion, and consultant services such as engineering costs. A $1 for $1 match is required for all proposals.
The Council designated the following areas to be eligible for consideration for 0% interest rate loans:
Applications for Growth Through Agriculture funding are available online through WebGrants. Applicants must be a registered user associated with an organization. Register and apply online at www.fundingmt.org.
GTA Program Montana Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 200201 Helena, Montana 59620-0201 Fax: 406-444-9442
If you have questions, email gta@mt.gov.
Semi-annual reports are required of all applicants who accept either a GTA grant or loan award. These are due on the dates set forth in the award contract until the project is complete, at which time a comprehensive final report is due.
These semi-annual and final reports are required to be filled out through the WebGrants system at fundingmt.org. Use the same user ID and password issued during registration to apply for Growth Through Agriculture funding. When logged into www.fundingmt.org click on "Grantee Instructions" and scroll down to "Status Reports" to learn more about how to use this component.
Please contact GTA program staff using the information listed on this page if you have further questions about the program or reporting processes.
The Growth Through Agriculture Mini Grant/Loan program (Mini Grant/Loan program) is a branch of the Montana Growth Through Agriculture program and was authorized by the 2009 Montana Legislature to encourage economic and agricultural development.
The Agriculture Development Council establishes policies and priorities to enhance the future development of agriculture in Montana including the award of loans and grants offered through the Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program.
The committee is appointed by the Governor and composed of seven members. Board members serve three-year terms. For additional information about Governor appointed Boards and Councils, visit the Boards, Councils & Commissions website from Montana.Gov.
Public Meeting Notice: Montana Pulse Crop Committee Meeting Monday, June 25th
Helena, Mont. – The Montana Pulse Crop Committee will meet at 9:00 am on Monday, June 25th in Glasgow at the Cottonwood Inn & Suites (54250 US Hwy 2).
The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries.
CONTACT:
Z.Coccoli@mt.gov, MT Dept. of Agriculture, (406) 444-0132,
Helena, Mont. – Visitors to the State Capitol, state employees and local food lovers now have another opportunity to pick up fresh, local produce, Made in Montana products, and other goods during the week. The Capitol Square Farmers Market, sponsored by St. Peter’s Health and Allegiance Benefit Plan Management, will officially kick off it’s second season Tuesday June 12th from 2:30-6:30 pm in the Capitol south oval parking lot. Lt. Governor Mike Cooney will help kick things off by distributing reusable grocery bags to the first 50 attendees.
Helena, Mont. – Visitors to the State Capitol, state employees and local food lovers will again have the opportunity to pick up fresh, local produce, Made in Montana products, and other goods during the week. The Capitol Square Farmers Market, sponsored by St. Peter’s Health and Allegiance Benefit Plan Management, will launch its second season on Tuesday June 5th from 2:30-6:30 pm. The Capitol Square Farmer’s Market is put on in partnership with the Montana Departments of Agriculture and Administration.
Growth Through Agriculture Program Phone : (406) 444-0134 E-mail : gta@mt.gov Fax : (406) 444-9442 302 N Roberts Helena, MT 59601
MCA 90-9: Agriculture Development
