Utah agriculture agency seeks $1 million for food-processing grants in 2025 legislative session

Commissioner Craig Butters of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food said the department is asking the state Legislature for $1,000,000 in the 2025 session to continue its food processing grant program and will present the request to the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Appropriations Committee next week.

"So this year on the Hill, we're asking once again for another $1,000,000 for our food processing grant program," Commissioner Craig Butters said, noting the department received $1,000,000 for the program each of the last three years.

The request comes as department staff reported to the rural caucus and briefed lawmakers on several programs. Butters said the department also discussed the Leroy McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund, the specialty products program and the Agriculture Resource and Development Loan Funds (ARDLE) during recent legislative outreach.

Amber Brown, Director of Legislative and Government Affairs, is on the hill tracking bills, and Kelly Pearson, identified in the meeting as Butters's deputy, is working closely with legislators, Butters said. "Our staff is working hard," he added.

Butters thanked department employees and partners that work with producers, food manufacturers and retail suppliers. "Personally, I would like to thank all of our employees here at the department for the important work that they do to assist the citizens of the state of Utah," he said.

No formal vote or appropriation was recorded in the meeting transcript; the department's next step, as stated in the remarks, is to present the funding request to the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Appropriations Committee for consideration.