BI grants - rcdg discretionary agri marketing resource center

The Department of Agriculture Rural Business Cooperative Services awarded Iowa State University of Science and Technology $1.055 million on January 28, 2026, under the Rural Cooperative Development Grants program (CFDA 10.771) to establish the Value-Added Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.

The award funds technical assistance and cooperative development services to individuals and businesses in rural areas for the startup, expansion, or operational improvement of rural cooperatives and mutually-owned businesses. Performance occurs in Iowa with a period of performance through January 28, 2028. The Rural Cooperative Development Grants program provides discretionary funding through competitive national selection, with applications evaluated on ten criteria including administrative capabilities, technical assistance services, economic development impact, past performance in establishing legal entities, networking and regional focus, commitment and matching funds, work plan and budget, personnel qualifications, and local and future support. Recipients must comply with the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.334.