12/2/2025
A common question we receive at the Beginning Farmer Center is about the types of grant opportunities available to farmers. One valuable option is the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants, administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The application window is now open through noon on January 16, 2026. Grant awards will be announced in late March.
Grants, up to $25,000, support projects that increase sales of Iowa agricultural products by expanding production capacity or market access for value-added products. A few examples of eligible projects are:
- Purchasing and installing equipment for value-added production
- Investments in packing, processing, or workflow improvements
- Developing on-farm stores or commercial kitchens
- Adding refrigerated trucks to reach new markets
- Enhancing food safety or product quality
Farmers, along with other individuals, businesses, and non-profits, are eligible to apply, with preference given to small and medium-sized businesses and operations. The grants require a 1:1 cost-share, meaning grantees must provide matching funds from other sources. Grant funds are issued as reimbursements after the project is finished.
Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as the project’s ability to increase sales or market access for Iowa agricultural products, diversify markets, or expand processing capacity. Business readiness, financial sustainability, and experience are also taken into consideration. More details on scoring can be found in the Value Added Grant Guidelines.
IDALS is hosting virtual office hours on December 10 for those interested in learning more about the grant or application process. Visit the IDALS website, to access Choose Iowa Value Added Grants information and to register for the office hours.