Applications are now being accepted for Montana Department of Agriculture grants and loans under the Growth Through Agriculture program. But with a Jan. 31 deadline to get on the list of eligible recipients, producers are urged to take action soon.

The program is designed to offer assistance to ag producers, businesses, public and private organizations, educational institutions and local government.

To be eligible, entries must conduct activities that add value to Montana's farm commodities, expand markets and increase financial returns to the state economy.

Montana farmers have an opportunity for zero percent interest loans for ag projects under Growth Through Agriculture state funding.

"This grant and loan opportunity will promote business expansion and entrepreneurship by helping these businesses get much needed access to capital to create new jobs and expand markets for their products and services," says David Tyler, Montana Agricultural Development Council chairman.

The Council designated the following areas for potential growth,  eligible for zero percent interest loans:

•Malting production projects: irrigation programs that serve multiple ag users
•Business transitioning beyond direct sales and farmers markets.

The funding via the GTA program targets a mission to strengthen and diversify the state's ag products and processes to add value to the farm industry,  add jobs and expand business opportunities.

The Council, which includes representatives of farming and government, reviews and selects successful applicants  from  the GTA grant program twice  yearly.

For more details about the program, as well as application processes, go to www.fundingmt.gov or www.agr.mt.gov.

Growth Through Agriculture staffers Angie Nelson or Lindy Davies may be reached by phone at (406) 444-2402, or via email at [email protected].

New Montana Wheat, Barley Bureau Chief Named
In other news out of the Montana Department of Agriculture, Director Ron de Yong says that Collin Watters is the new wheat and barley bureau chief.

The position also serves as executive vice president of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee.

His officials duties begin at the end of January.