Limberlost Brewing of Thompson Falls receives Growth Through Ag grant

Gov. Steve Bullock and the Agriculture Development Council have announced the recipients of $447,300 in grants to agricultural businesses and organizations. A total of 20 businesses and organizations were awarded funds through the Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program.

One of the grants goes to Limberlost Brewing Company of Thompson Falls. The business, which plans to open this summer, receives a $19,000 grant to assist with construction costs for the new brewery sourcing Montana-grown ingredients.

“From hops to aquaculture, this year’s crop of grants from the Growth Through Agriculture program are a great reflection of the growing diversity of Montana’s ag industry,” said Bullock. “These grants are helping producers and businesses add value, scale up, and access new markets, all while promoting and expanding Montana’s most important industry.”

RIVULET APIARIES of Alberton receives a $30,000 grant to assist with marketing and the purchase of equipment and materials to expand the honey farm production and honey product manufacturing facility.

TWO POLSON businesses received Growth Through Agriculture grants. Native Seed Foundation’s grant will assist with the purchase of seed processing equipment and training costs. Fat Robin Orchard receivs a $17,700 grant to assist with the construction of a new value-added cherry processing facility.

Western Cider Company of Missoula’s grant for $25,000 is for the purchase of equipment to expand the fruit cider production facility.

Mountain Kind Farm of Somers gets a $35,000 grant to assist with the expansion and processing equipment costs for the vegetable farm and livestock operation.

Montana Craft Malt of Butte was awarded a $50,000 grant to assist with the purchase of equipment for their new grain malting innovation center. The innovation center will provide producers and value-added ag businesses with a space to research and test new end uses for malted products.

Montana Sheep Company of Fort Shaw was awarded a $8,500 grant for marketing and equipment costs for their value-added wool business. The company is using Montana wool to create a new line of high-end wool blankets.

THE GTA program was established by the legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agriculture industry by developing new agricultural products and processes. GTA grants and loans are awarded by the Agriculture Development Council, a seven member committee appointed by the Governor. GTA funding requires the investment of at least $1 in matching funds for every $1 in grant or loan assistance received.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.