The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the livestock promotion and market development grants to foster growth within the Hoosier livestock industry.
"Indiana is home to more than 21,000 livestock operations that together generate nearly $3.7 billion in sales," said Ted McKinney, ISDA director. "As many families and communities depend on our livestock sector, it's important that we continue to look for new ways to promote and add value to it, especially with protein demand on the rise."
The livestock promotion and market development grants are open to non-profit organizations, commissions and associations with 501(c) status involving the following livestock species: cattle, swine, sheep, equine, goats, poultry, camelids, ostriches, cervidae, bison, aquaculture and rabbits.
The market development grant provides funding for value-added feasibility studies, research projects, market development or other projects that encourage the growth of business and industry related to livestock production, processing and/or distribution. Educational programs, livestock shows/exhibitions, and conventions or similar projects are eligible for livestock promotion funding.
Both grants will reimburse up to 50 percent of the amount spent to conduct or support the projects, programs and events outlined in each of the grants.
McKinney said that more than $50,000 was awarded to eight organizations last year to foster growth in the livestock industry.
Applications are available at www.in.gov/isda/2474.htm. All grant applications should be sent electronically to Ann McCambridge at AMcCambridge@isda.in.gov by Dec. 1. Award winners will be announced mid-February.