Colorado winegrowers can now apply for the Wine and Grape Industry Processing Grant to increase their processing capacity both at the winery and in the vineyard.
Article continues below
Up to $250,000 will be available to producers through competitive grants, offered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture through the Farm to Market Infrastructure Program.
This grant program will dramatically increase CDA's investment into the Colorado wine industry.
While the CWIDB's annual budget supports marketing programs, research and extension services provided by Colorado State University, the Wine & Grape Industry Processing Grant will be the single largest investment in the Colorado wine industry aimed directly at Colorado wine producers.
Winegrowers can apply at one of three different levels. Each level has its own limits and requirements:
• Award for one unique business or individual. Maximum individual award: $25,000
• Award to multiple businesses or individuals working collaboratively on one project. Award: up to $25,000 for each participating individual or business. Maximum award: $100,000
• One large project that would benefit the entire state's wine and grape industry, stretching beyond one AVA or region, and would reinvest not only the initial capital outlay of the grant funds, but also a significant portion of future revenues back into the Colorado wine and grape industry statewide. Maximum award: $250,000
The program is intended to stimulate an expansion of the processing capabilities of the Colorado wine and grape industry.
Colorado wineries and vineyards may apply for the Wine & Grape Industry Processing Grant to be used for agricultural processing, meaning the transforming, packaging, sorting, storage, or grading of Colorado livestock, livestock products, agricultural commodities, plants, or plant products.
Applicants must be Colorado entities and registered in the State of Colorado.
Applicants must submit a fully completed online application for one of the levels listed above. Required information includes a detailed project description, plan, and budget.
The grant application evaluation committee may request additional information upon review of the application. ■
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that AgriAmerica Fruit Products has completed the revitalization and upgrade of a 69,000-square-foot grape juice processing facility located at 200 Water Street in the Village of Fredonia.