Agritourism grants awarded to local businesses

Two Lake County businesses will receive grant funding from the Montana Department of Commerce’s Agritourism Grant Program.

The department awarded more than $350,000 to 17 agricultural businesses and communities across Montana to support diversification, agricultural opportunities and tourism revenue.

The Smokehouse, located east of Polson on Highway 35, will receive $7,215 for its Hyper-Local Farm-to-Table Project.

Live Oak Belgians, located on Old Freight Road near St. Ignatius, will received $9,660 to reconstruct a barn and cabin on the property.

“As a state with a strong focus on agriculture and an abundance of rural communities, agritourism is a uniquely beneficial opportunity for Montana,” said Paul Green, director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Through supporting both rural and tribal agricultural businesses, Commerce can showcase Montana’s distinct cultures and encourage the diversification of agricultural operations.”

For more information on the Agritourism Grant Program, visit commerce.mt.gov.