Agriculture

Program Description

In 2012 and 2013, the Colorado agricultural industry, the second largest contributor to Colorado’s economy, was severely impacted by fires and floods. Physical damages to barns, outbuildings, fencing, irrigation and pasturelands were immense. Additionally, agriculture businesses suffered significant loss of crops and livestock. In order to maintain businesses and employment in this critical sector, the State of Colorado established the Agriculture Business Grant program.

The Agriculture Business Grant program was established and managed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). This program provided grants ranging from $15,000 to $150,000 that could be used to reimburse businesses for disaster-related expenses, replace lost facilities or equipment, or otherwise reinvest in their business to sustain operations.  
 

Program Status

This program operated between May 2014 through December 2018 and is complete. No additional funds are available.

Program Outcomes

66 Agriculture Businesses across the impacted areas, predominantly in Weld, Larimer, and Boulder, Received a total of over $7.2 million in grants for an average grant of $109,400. 181 jobs were retained or created resulting in a 18% increase in jobs for participating businesses. 13 businesses used these funds for construction including barns or outbuildings, fences or corrals, pond dredging, land leveling and river bank restoration. 39 businesses used these funds to purchase a total of 95 pieces of lost equipment. Others utilized their grants for various operating costs including replacing inventory or livestock or paying off operating expenses.

See the before and after photo gallery here.
 

Grants By County

Grants By Industry

Resources

• Program Guidelines
• Before and After photo gallery.
• Ag Program Closeout Summary
• Map of Agriculture Grant Locations