Two area agricultural operations are among 30 recipients of state funding through the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant program.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the awards as part of Iowa Ag Week, with $500,000 distributed statewide to support projects that expand production and market access for Iowa-grown products.
In Hampton, Carlson Tree Farm was awarded $7,286 to construct a small retail building to be known as a “Little Barn Market,” aimed at expanding value-added product sales for their Christmas tree farm.
In Clarion, Grand View Beef received $22,372 to purchase a refrigerated trailer, allowing for safer and more reliable transportation of grass-fed, Iowa-raised beef to customers across Iowa.
State officials say the grants are designed to help farmers and small businesses increase processing capacity, improve distribution and connect more local products with consumers.
The program has awarded more than $2.1 million to 130 projects since launching in 2022.
