2022 Alfalfa Seed Research & Market Development Program

The Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee was created by the 1981 Legislature to encourage development of the alfalfa seed industry through improvements and innovations in various aspects of the business. The 1997 legislature incorporated the Alfalfa Leaf Cutting Bee Committee into the Alfalfa Seed Committee. The Montana Alfalfa Seed Industry Act is administered by an eight-member Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, which is attached to the Montana Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes. The Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee invites proposals to fund demonstration projects, applied research, and feasibility analyses designed to address Montana's alfalfa seed industry needs and opportunities. Generally, to qualify for consideration, proposals must have practical, near- term application involving practices or organizational arrangements that will stimulate an expanded alfalfa seed industry. Public and private entities and organizations, business and industry, educational institutions, local governments and individuals are eligible to submit proposals.

Alfalfa Seed Assessment

Proposals submitted under this RFP must be received on or before Wednesday February 9, 2022 at 5:00pm.

Applicants with questions about information contained in this RFP should contact: Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee Montana Department of Agriculture Agricultural Development Division PO Box 200201 Helena, Montana 59620-0201 (406) 444-2402

Project Eligibility- Eligible projects are as follows: • Conducting research programs to: o improve the quality of alfalfa seed o develop and improve control measures for disease and pests which attack alfalfa and alfalfa seed pollinators (i.e. Alfalfa Leaf Cutter Bees) o improve alfalfa growing culture o other research projects designed to improve the Alfalfa Seed industry • Disseminating current and new research information • Developing the Alfalfa Seed Industry markets, including: o conducting market assessments o planning and conducting publicity and sales promotion campaigns, including media development and trade show exhibition. • Education Eligible Costs- There is no limit to the grant amount a proposal can request. However, on average, the Committee has $40,000 annually for grant proposals; therefore, grant amounts should correspond. Eligible costs under the Montana Alfalfa Seed Industry Act include, but are not limited to: • Salaries and Wages • Fringe Benefits • Consultant Services (professional, technical, operational) • Travel • Advertising and Promotion • Equipment (preferably leased versus direct acquisition) • Supplies and Materials