Applications are being accepted for grants to fund agricultural processing projects and in turn strengthen supply chains in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture expects to distribute up to $2 million through the
Farm-to-Market Infrastructure Grant Program to help farmers, ranchers, food processors and manufacturers improve food systems and develop and expand agricultural value-added projects. 

The Colorado Legislature enacted a measure establishing the program with the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Grants can be used only for agricultural processing projects  — grading, packaging, sort, storing or otherwise transforming plant and livestock products.

“When the pandemic showed the vulnerabilities of our local food systems, Colorado producers stepped up to fill the gaps. What we heard them say was that the ability to quickly adapt business practices to counteract global supply chain issues requires investment into new equipment and technologies,” said Tom Lipetzky, director of the markets division of the  Colorado Department of Agriculture. “The Farm-to-Market grants will help producers across our state create a more resilient and profitable food supply chain. We want to invest in Colorado producers to help them expand their businesses and their offerings of value-added agricultural projects.” 

Value-added products generally go through a production or manufacturing process. A product could be considered value-added if there’s been a change in the physical state or form — such as making meat into jerky or fruit into jam. The manner of production enhances the value of the product or products are segregated in a way that increases value.

Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural processing businesses are eligible to apply if they’re residents of and operate in Colorado. The maximum grant award amount for any one project is $150,000.

Applications will be reviewed in two award periods. Applications received by Nov. 30 will be reviewed in the first period. Applications received by Feb. 28 will be reviewed in the second period. Up to $2 million in grants will be awarded by June 30.

To apply, businesses must submit the online application form available at .