The Montana Agriculture Development Council awarded $50,000 in grant funding from the Montana Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program to Great Plains – The Camelina Company. The funds will be used to conduct a feasibility study for an oilseed crushing plant in Montana.
Great Plains is focused on developing Camelina sativa (camelina) as an oilseed crop for biodiesel production in Montana, Washington, Oregon and surrounding states, and has engaged in extensive research and marketing of the crop for over 10 years. Camelina grows well in the unpredictable dry climates of these states and can be used as a profitable rotational crop with wheat or other small grain crops.
The application for the grant was presented jointly to the Council by Great Plains CEO Sam Huttenbauer, and Pam Lemer, value added agriculture coordinator for Bear Paw Development Corporation. Great Plains and Bear Paw Development began partnering on this project in December 2007.
“This is an exciting time for both our company and the future of fuel in America,” said Huttenbauer. “We are pleased about this investment by the State of Montana and look forward to continuing to pursue this exciting economic development opportunity for our company and Montana.”
Paul Tuss, executive director for Bear Paw Development, noted, “Great Plains’ development of this project is a classic example of the continuing growth in value-added agriculture in our state that will help promote job creation and economic diversification for Montana. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and it is innovative efforts like this one that will ensure the continued growth of Montana’s economy for years to come.”
The Montana legislature created the GTA program to strengthen and diversify the state’s agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Since the program’s inception, over $10.6 million has been invested in over 350 projects for new and innovative agricultural endeavors.