Coronavirus relief funds awarded
Awards given to businesses
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News from the office of Governor Steve Bullock
MONTANA — Governor Steve Bullock and the Montana Department of Agriculture today announced that over $1 million in grant funding has been awarded from the Montana Agriculture Adaptability Program. The grants are designed to provide relief to small and medium-sized food and agriculture businesses in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
“Agriculture drives our economy in Montana, and the COVID-19 crisis has shed new light on the importance of our local food systems,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “The adaptability grants directly support producers and value-added food and ag businesses affected by the pandemic. From Missoula, to Two Dot, to Scobey, Montanans across the state are finding innovative ways to strengthen and expand our access to local foods at a time when we need it most.”
Funding for the MTAAP totals just over $1 million, with a maximum award of $10,000, and is derived from the federal relief dollars made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Over 100 businesses received funding. Successful applicants showed how financial assistance would make an immediate impact to their operation in adapting to COVID-19. Projects aimed to increase community resilience to pandemics and other economic disruptions, while also bolstering food security. In many cases, businesses are pivoting their plans to accommodate local markets through new equipment, storage, and certifications to provide direct sales to consumers.
A full list of funded projects is available with this release and will be posted to the department’s website soon: agr.mt.gov.
