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Marketing and Economic Development

Marketing and Economic Development is a small division but plays a major role in meeting the department’s mission to support the development of Utah’s agriculture and food industries and ensure a quality food supply. This division is comprised of the International Trade program, Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Utah’s Own program, and Local Food Advisory Council and also administers the Junior Livestock Treasury and the Apple, Tart Cherry, and Wool Marketing Boards. In addition to these programs, the Marketing and Economic Development division works closely with community stakeholders and industry organizations to continually improve consumer awareness and the economic health of agriculture in Utah and provides communications and marketing support for all UDAF divisions and programs.

Marketing and Economic Development Programs:

Ag Stress Assistance Program

Unpredictable weather, volatile commodity markets and input prices, extreme working conditions — whether carrying forward a multigenerational legacy or establishing a new operation, farmers and ranchers face a unique set of stressors on a daily basis.

Agritourism

Agritourism is a key part of supporting local agriculture and helping Utah’s farms to stay sustainable and productive. It allows farm operations to provide more job opportunities and connect communities.

International Trade Program

The purpose of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s (UDAF) International Trade Program is to connect Utah agriculture & food producers with a variety of local and global resources to facilitate growth into international markets.

Farm To School Program

In partnership between UDAF and the Utah State Board of Education Child Nutrition Program (CNP), the Farm to Fork program seeks to provide training and resources to child nutrition operators to increase the consumption of fresh, safe, and healthy, local foods. This program also emphasizes nutrition and agriculture education.

Farm to school programming includes:

    • Education – Students participate in education activities related to agriculture, food, health, or nutrition
    • Procurement – Local foods are purchased, promoted, and served to students
    • School Gardens – Students engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary learning through gardening

The RFSI Grant Program is a competitive grant program to improve the middle of the food supply chain for Utah-based food and farm businesses. Subawards will be issued that support the development of activities including, but not limited to the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products meant for human consumption (excluding meat and poultry products).

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

SCBGP is a competitive grant program operated by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) in which funding from the United States Department of Agriculture is awarded to eligible applicants to support Utah’s specialty crop industry. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture — including nursery crops, and more.

Southwest Regional Food Business Center

UDAF is a key partner in the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center. Visit swfoodbiz.org for business resources including technical assistance, grant information, training programs, and events.

Utah Food Security Processing Grant

The UFSPG provides competitive grants to local businesses to increase in-state processing capacity of agricultural products produced in Utah. UDAF receives funding from the Utah State Legislature to support this program.

Utah’s Own

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food offers marketing and local branding resources to qualifying Utah agriculture and food businesses via the Utah’s Own™ program.

Other Information: