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Rural Assistance Programs

The Montana Department of Agriculture offers a variety of grant, loan and outreach programs to assist rural comunities and ag-related businesses. Browse a selection of our rural programs and services below, visit a program page for detailed information, and submit your business information to the MDA Ag Business Directory to receive updates from MDA business development staff on marketing and sales opportunities for you to consider..

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
More Info

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
More Info

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
More Info

Other Rural Assistance Programs

All MDA Grant & Loan Programs