Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant Program

The Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) as part of the state’s Choose Iowa initiative. This marketing and economic development program seeks to strengthen the agricultural economy by promoting locally grown, raised, and processed agricultural products. Through value-added investments, the program supports Iowa-based producers, processors, and businesses in expanding capacity and accessing new markets. This grant is designed to help eligible Iowa-based entities implement projects that directly increase sales of Iowa agricultural products by enhancing production capacity or market access. Eligible uses include purchasing and installing equipment for value-added processing, establishing or upgrading on-farm stores and commercial kitchens, developing or expanding food hubs, and acquiring grading, packaging, labeling, and refrigeration infrastructure. All projects must be based in Iowa and completed within 12 months. Meat and dairy processing infrastructure are ineligible for this grant but are supported through separate programs under the Choose Iowa initiative. Awards are capped at $25,000 per applicant, and each project must include a one-to-one (1:1) financial match from private sources such as cash, loans, or grants. In-kind contributions do not qualify. This is a reimbursement grant, and expenses incurred prior to the finalization of a signed grant agreement are not eligible. Only budgeted, approved expenses will be reimbursed, and all changes to approved budgets must be pre-approved in writing by IDALS. The grant application process is competitive. Applications are submitted through the online portal at ChooseIowa.com and evaluated on six weighted criteria: alignment with program goals, projected impact, financial readiness, detailed budget with match sources, a clear work plan and timeline, and measurable objectives. Applications must score at least 70 out of 100 points to be considered. Preference is given to small and medium-sized businesses, first-time applicants, and to ensuring geographic and project-type diversity across awards. The 2025-2026 application cycle opened on December 1, 2025, with submissions due by January 16, 2026 at noon. Virtual office hours will be hosted on December 10, 2025, and applicants may also request individual consultation by email. Award notifications and agreements will be issued in March 2026, with project implementation and reimbursement occurring through March 2027. For assistance or more information, applicants may contact Maria Drevet, Marketing & Grants Specialist, at [email protected] or [email protected], or by phone at (515) 444-9011. Full program details are available in the downloadable PDF guidelines from the Choose Iowa website.

Provide specific quotes or estimates to support budget items; ensure clarity on private match sources; projects must be new and completed within 12 months