ARPA Commission Recommends $7.5 Million To Boost Value-Added Ag
The Economic Transformation, Stabilization and Workforce Development Advisory Commission voted unanimously to recommend using $7.5 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural industry through targeted investments in value-added agriculture projects during its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 27.
The Montana Department of Agriculture proposed the Value-Added Agriculture Investment Program to increase value-added food and agriculture business capacity in Montana with special emphasis on increased processing and manufacturing of raw ag commodities. The proposal received strong support from several agriculture industry groups and economic development organization representatives.
“The Value-Added Ag Investment Program will move the needle on Montana Agriculture through new, innovative, and expanded processing and manufacturing of the premium raw ag commodities that Montana is known for,” said Zach Coccoli, acting Agriculture Development Division administrator for Montana Department of Agriculture. “These investments will allow our producers to capture more value for their high-quality products and ensure Agriculture remains the backbone of Montana’s economy for generations to come.”
The commission’s recommendation has been sent to Gov. Greg Gianforte for final approval and the department is preparing to call for proposals next week. More information will be available soon at arpa.mt.gov.
The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit agr.mt.gov.
