The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) awarded grants totaling $628,000 to 32 applicants as part of a program aimed at stimulating and promoting agricultural production in the state.

The Department received the funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through a national program intended to stimulate production of crops that ordinarily do not receive financial support.

"This is a program aimed at enhancing Utah agriculture in ways that generate added revenue directly to farmers and ranchers," said Cary G. Peterson, Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food.
The department received 82 grant applications totaling funding requests of more than $3.5 million dollars.

"We received numerous applications for high quality projects, and commend those who applied," said Peterson. "We anticipate further grants from the USDA, and look forward to offering these grants again in the future," he added.

The $628,000 in grants is expected to have a positive economic rippling effect on Utah's agricultural economy.

"Based on the caliber of projects and new production opportunities, we anticipate a very positive affect on jobs and our economy," said Randy Parker, UDAF Marketing and Conservation Director. "One project that was funded will help a businessperson raise more trout eggs, that in turn will help generate more jobs and sales in his community," Parker added.

Funded projects include: Bear Lake raspberry revitalization, the development of the Downtown Farmers Market, Food land and people virtual workshop for Agriculture-in-the-Classroom, Utah livestock health and food safety, Branding/marketing for Utah fruit, Utah organic food program, Grazing land advocacy and enhancement, and others.