We are proud to announce that we will be attending the Ag Innovation Showcase in St. Louis, on May 24-25.

The Ag Showcase is the leading annual global event for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and investors. Held in St. Louis at the Danforth Plant Science Center, the world’s largest independent plant science research institute, the 2010 Ag Innovation Showcase will feature a wide array of innovative approaches to advancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Leading-edge technology sectors will represent ag-biotech, food and nutrition, alternative energy, informatics, animal health, and sustainable materials.

See highlights from last years conference:

You can learn more about the conference here. or register here.

This is a great opportunity for people looking to develop businesses around aeroponic growing and vertical farming. According to the grant guidelines, rural businesses can apply for  grants of up to $500,000 and loan guarantees up to $25,000,000.

Eligible Project Costs
The following items are considered to be eligible project costs as long as these costs are an integral part of the renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvement:
1) Post-application purchase and installation of equipment.(new or refurbished/remanufactured)
2) Post-application construction or improvements.
3) Energy audits or assessments.
4) Permit and license fees.
5) Professional service fees, except for application preparation.
6) Feasibility studies and technical reports.
7) Business plans.
8) Retrofitting.
9) Construction of a new energy efficient facility only when the facility is used for the same purpose, is approximately the same size and based upon the energy audit will provide more energy savings than improving an existing facility. Only costs identified in the energy audit for energy efficiency improvement are allowed.

Your small business has to be in a rural area with a population of less than 50,000 (you can check whether you are eligible here).

To see the full brochure click here for the grant program and here for the loan program.