Montana Launches New Grant Program to Boost Rural and Tribal Agritourism

The Montana Department of Commerce has announced the launch of a new grant program aimed at supporting rural and tribal agricultural businesses while promoting economic diversification throughout the state. The funding will be provided through the newly established Agritourism Grants Program.

Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, stated, “This new grant program will help Montana farmers and ranchers expand operations by developing new or enhancing established agritourism revenue streams. Our goal is to create agritourism opportunities with a focus on rural, under-visited, and tribal locations, generating tourism revenue that will benefit local economies across the state.”

To provide more information about the program, the Montana Department of Commerce is inviting interested individuals to register for a webinar on October 15, 2024. During this session, participants will learn about the application process, scoring criteria, and important timelines for the agritourism grants.

The Agritourism Grants Program was authorized by the Montana Legislature in 2023 through the passage of Senate Bill 540, reflecting the state’s commitment to enhancing its agricultural sector and supporting rural communities.

By: Big Sky Headlines staff