Utah opens $9.3 million grant program to strengthen local food supply

Utah farmers, ranchers and food businesses can apply for state-administered grants aimed at expanding local food production, processing, storage and distribution. Photo: Real Twin Photos

Summit County farmers, ranchers and food businesses may qualify for awards supporting production, processing, storage and distribution

PARK CITY, Utah — Utah farmers, ranchers and food businesses can apply for a share of $9.3 million in state-administered grants aimed at strengthening local food production and keeping more Utah-grown food in the state.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is accepting applications through Aug. 31 for the expanded Utah Food Security Grant program.

Funding may be used for agricultural equipment, food processing, cold storage, transportation, commercial kitchens, food safety certifications and other projects that help Utah producers reach local markets.

“Utah’s farmers and ranchers are essential to our economy, our food supply and our way of life,” Gov. Spencer Cox said in the department’s announcement. “This investment will help producers reach more markets, strengthen rural Utah and give more families access to fresh, locally produced food.”

The grants are funded through an $11 million federal allocation awarded to Utah under the Rural Health Transformation Program. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services is administering the funding with the agriculture department.

Eligible applicants include Utah farmers, ranchers, food processors, agricultural businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, local governments and producer cooperatives.

Applicants generally must use at least 51% Utah-grown or Utah-raised products. They must also distribute, or show that the project would allow them to distribute, at least 25% of their products to rural Utah communities.

For the program, rural Utah includes all counties except Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties, making projects serving Summit and Wasatch counties potentially eligible.

Microgrants range from $1,000 to $10,000. New businesses may apply for startup grants of up to $50,000, while standard awards range from $10,000 to $1 million.

No matching funds are required.

Agriculture Commissioner Kelly Pehrson said gaps in processing, storage and distribution often prevent Utah products from reaching consumers.

“When Utah producers have the infrastructure and market access support they need to grow, the impact extends far beyond a single farm or business,” Pehrson said.

The state expects to announce preliminary awards in October. Funded projects must be completed by Sept. 30, 2027.

Applications and eligibility details are available through the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.