Governor Greg Gianforte and the Agriculture Development Council today announced recipients of the state’s $907,504 investment in innovative, value-added agriculture projects through the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program.

“By investing in innovative, value-added ag projects, we can help Montana producers keep pace with a transforming agricultural industry and capture more of the tremendous value they create,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I look forward to seeing what these ag businesses are able to accomplish with this investment.”

From Kalispell to Olive, a total of 24 agricultural businesses throughout the state were awarded funds to advance Montana’s agricultural economy.

“Year after year, Montana’s Growth Through Agriculture Program propels agricultural businesses toward their goals,” Montana Director of Agriculture Christy Clark said.

“The Department of Agriculture is proud to invest in these innovative projects that will add value to Montana agriculture and boost our economy.”

The GTA program was established by the Montana Legislature in 1987 to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agriculture industry through innovative agricultural business improvements and the commercialization and marketing of new, value-added agriculture products.

All GTA funding awards require businesses to invest at least $1 in matching funds for every $1 in grant or loan assistance received. The Montana Department of Agriculture administers the program with counsel from the Agriculture Development Council, a seven-member committee appointed by the governor.

Successful projects ranged from meat and potato processing to flower farms. A full list of funded projects is included with this release.