Deal’s Orchard was selected to receive one of 26 Choose Iowa value-added grants from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardships. The grants, awarded to Iowa farmers, small businesses and non-profit organizations in 22 counties total $463,000. The grants will help leverage a total investment by grant recipients of nearly $2 million.
The Choose Iowa grant recipients were announced as part of Iowa Ag Week last week.
Deal’s Orchard was selected for a $25,000 grant. This funding will assist in the transition of cider packaging with a new canning line to increase processing capacity and reach new markets. The total project budget: $52,805.
A Deal’s spokesman shared: “We are excited to announce that we’ve been awarded a Choose Iowa matching grant to establish a canning line for our hard cider production! Huge thanks to Choose Iowa and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for their support in promoting statewide products and empowering local businesses like ours.
“As farmers, we know firsthand the challenges that come with this profession. From unpredictable weather to fluctuating market prices, the journey isn’t easy. We are grateful for programs that support and advocate for Iowa farms. They play a crucial role in sustaining our livelihoods and preserving our agricultural traditions. With this matching grant, we’re taking a big step forward in bringing our Iowa hard cider to more people and contributing to Iowa’s thriving agricultural landscape.”
Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made products. These cost-share grants, which match up to $25,000 per project, were created to assist Iowa farmers, businesses and non-profits increase or diversify their agricultural product offerings, expand markets and shorten supply chains.
This year’s grants will support a wide variety of projects including delivery and cold storage for direct-to-consumer meat sales, fruit production and processing, vegetable processing, packaging equipment, cider and wine canning and bottling, farm store and food hub construction, honey production, culinary herb, lavender and cut flower production, warehouse capacity, cover crop seed distribution, and agritourism opportunities, and much more.
“Consumers are continually looking for more Iowa food, beverages, and ag products to enjoy and these Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants will help Iowa farmers, small businesses, and non-profits build that supply,” said Secretary Naig. “We are so pleased to provide these Choose Iowa cost-share investments because they will enhance the availability of Iowa products while creating positive economic activity in communities, big and small, across our state.”
Individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations that are currently living or operating in Iowa were eligible to apply and preference was given to small to medium-sized entities. This year, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship received 63 eligible grant requests totaling $1,130,139.00. The grant program remains highly competitive, given that requests far exceed the available funding of $463,000.
Since the launch of the grants in 2022, $1,173,690 in Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants have been awarded to 67 projects which has leveraged a total investment of $4,268,099. ~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
