Business newsmakers

Local agricultural producers Big Sky Orchards and Wicked Good Produce have received grants from the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program which helps businesses generate new products, create, and expand marketing opportunities, and increase overall producer income with the goal of growing local economies in rural and Tribal areas.

Big Sky Orchards in Bigfork received a $76,500 grant to expand its customer base and increase profitability. Big Sky is a local orchard that produces and sells pelletized hops to craft breweries throughout Montana.

Wicked Good Produce in Whitefish received a $49,999 grant to assist with payroll, packaging and labeling of products so it can expand its customer base. Wicked Good is a small-scale, diversified vegetable farm that provides local communities with access to freshly grown produce.