Rural Assistance Programs
Rural Assistance Loan Program
Provide loans to producers with modest financial investments in agriculture
Loans are available to persons who are unable to qualify for financing from commercial lenders. However, the activity for which the loan is requested and the financial position of the applicant must show a positive cash flow and net worth
The total value of an applicant's net worth, including those of spouse and minor children, cannot exceed $450,000
The maximum loan amount is $75,000 per individual
Loans are made up to 80% of the value of the collateral used to secure the loan
Funds may be used to finance agricultural property, improvements, annual operating expenses, and agricultural land
Growth Through Agriculture Grants & Loans
Strengthens and diversifies Montana's agricultural industry through development of new agricultural products and processes
Projects should add value to Montana's agricultural products and have the potential to create and/or retain jobs in Montana
Projects may potentially be funded in a single application for a total amount of $150,000 in the form of grant funding up to $50,000 and loan funding up to $100,000
Project activities involve equipment purchases, advertising and promotion, and consultant services
A $1 for $1 match is required for all proposals
Food & Agricultural Development Centers
The FADC network help Montanans innovate and grow businesses that produce and commercialize food, agricultural and renewable energy products and processes
The centers- located in Joliet, Havre, Butte, and Ronan- operate as a statewide network serving community-based businesses throughout Montana
The centers support economic development by ensuring that more of the state's food, agricultural and energy dollars circulate in Montana
The network provides training, coaching and technical assistance, including product development, regulatory compliance training, food processing, business planning, market research, networking, financing, and more
Other Rural Assistance Programs
The Montana Beginning Farm/Ranch Loan Program is a tax-exempt bond program designed to assist beginning farmers and ranchers to acquire agricultural property at lower interest rates.
Getting a new market off the ground requires some initial start-up money. Start-up costs can include printing for vendor recruitment and publicizing the market, advertising, signage such as banners or sandwich boards to guide customers to the market, and liability insurance if not provided by the site owner. Depending on the site and property owner specifications, portable toilets may be required.
The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program was developed to assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects.