Flathead Lake Cherry Growers Inc. received a $60,000 loan on Wednesday to develop a processing facility for cherry and fruit juice products near Bigfork.

It was just one slice of the more than $400,000 in grants and loans announced by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and the Agricultural Development Council for agricultural businesses and organizations.

The Flathead Lake Cherry Growers was one of 12 recipients sharing $290,500 in grants or $121,500 in loans through the Growth Through Agriculture program established by the Montana legislature.

“These grants and loans will help grow and expand agricultural businesses and organizations across our state in conjunction with the Main Street Montana Project’s directive to expand access to local foods and foster growth in the state’s agricultural sector,” Bullock said. “It’s exciting to see the innovation and business development that is adding value to agriculture.”

The program also granted $45,000 to Cross Country Brewing to help open the new brewery in Glendive — the only brewery on the 250 miles between Billings and Wibaux. Great Harvest Franchising received a $50,000 grant for a nationwide marketing campaign that could boost demand for Montana-grown wheat.

The next application deadline for Growth Through Agriculture funding is 2 p.m. on Jan. 19. For application information, businesses and organizations should contact their local Food and Agricultural Development Centers and economic development organizations. For information can be found at www.agr.mt.gov/agr/Programs/GrantsLoans/GTA/.

Reporter Seaborn Larson can be reached at 758-4441 or slarson@dailyinterlake.com.