New Markets for Grains Pulses & Pseudocereals Business Builder Grant Recipients
The Business Builder Grant Program was a dynamic funding initiative developed through the USDA’s network of Regional Food Business Centers (RFBCs). In the Northwest and Rocky Mountain (NWRM) region, these grants were designed to empower small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, helping them scale, enter new markets, and expand their impact.
In 2025, 13 Business Builder grants were awarded to regional businesses through the Northwest & Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center's New Markets for Grains, Pulses, and Pseudocereals theme team. Below you can see each business that was awarded and what project is being funded by their grant.
Photo Credit: The Pig and the Plow
​2 Muddy Boots, LLC/ The Pig and the Plow
Fort Collins, CO
2 Muddy Boots, LLC is a Colorado-based food business focused on regional grain distribution and value-added products. Funding will support the purchase of a delivery vehicle and branding wrap, which will expand retail and wholesale markets, boost educational outreach, and strengthen value chains for 4–6 flour mills and 12 grain farmers.
​
Website​
Photo Credit: Amza Superfoods
Amza Superfoods
Portland, OR
This project funds new processing equipment and a rebrand to improve production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and boost shelf appeal. The updates will expand market reach to meet growing consumer demand.
​
Website​​​​​​
Photo Credit: Barn Owl Bakery
Barn Owl Bakery
Lopez Island, WA
​Barn Owl is leading a feasibility study to explore the development of a mid-scale island grain hub — a facility that could clean, dry, store, and mill local grains. As grain acreage on the islands expands, so does the need for shared infrastructure. This study, developed in partnership with Still Light Farm and the San Juan Ag Guild, will assess demand, potential users, and operating models for a community-based grain hub that could support multiple island farmers.
​
​
Photo Credit: Ch'il Indigenous Foods
Ch'il Indigenous Foods
Wheatridge, CO
This project supports brand development, increases production and storage capacity, and expands market access. The effort will elevate Native American foods in mainstream markets while supporting the economic viability of Native American growers.
​
Photo Credit: Organicology
Cold Springs Organics, LLC
Bozeman, MT
Cold Springs Organics processes organic millet, pulses, and grains to serve Montana’s livestock producers. Funding will expand processing capacity and connect growers with non-commodity markets. The project improves supply of high-quality feed and enhances farmer profitability.​
Photo Credit: Edible Bozeman
Conservation Grains, LLC
Choteau, MT
​Conservation Grains mills regional ancient and heritage grains in Choteau, MT. Funding will support retail expansion through trade shows, an updated online store, and a cookbook reprint. These activities will create new market channels for customers and reduce operational effort and cost, increasing sales and viability.
​
Photo Credit: Vilicus Farms
​Douglas Crabtree DBA Vilicus Farms
Havre, MT
Vilicus Farms is a regenerative grain farm in Montana building value chains for identity-preserved grains. Funding will support a specialized box truck, storage, and CRM software to coordinate deliveries to schools, pantries, and CSA networks. This project strengthens market access, supports rural processing, and builds regional grain infrastructure.
​
Website​
Photo Credit: Garden of Oz
Garden of Oz
Fort Collins, CO
Garden of Oz creates high-value flour from Colorado-grown brewer’s spent grain (BSG). This project will reduce food waste and produce affordable, nutrient-rich barley flour. By transforming BSG into food, the project supports circular economies, local businesses, and consumers seeking sustainable ingredients.
​
Website​​​​​
Photo Credit: Roaring Fork Mill
Roaring Fork Mill
Carbondale, CO
Roaring Fork Mill is Colorado’s only Regenerative Organic Certified flour mill. This project supports the development of value-added products to reach consumers beyond flour buyers.
​
Photo Credit: Snacktivist Foods
Snacktivist Inc/ Snacktivist Foods
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Snacktivist Foods will co-manufacture a whole grain penne pasta using regenerative regional grains. The pasta will meet school nutrition standards and expand healthy grain options. This project supports co-manufacturing partnerships, regional grain sourcing, and increases whole grain supply for institutional buyers.
​
Photo Credit: Idaho Preferred
Teahouse Bakery, LLC
Cove, OR
Teahouse Bakery will foster a relationship with Ethos Stone Mill for value-add product development of Eastern Washington grains and product testing.
​
Photo Credit: Texas Ridge Farms LLC
Texas Ridge Farms LLC
Deary, ID
Texas Ridge Farms provides locally grown, non-GMO bulk animal feed in the Northwest. Funding will support feed bagging infrastructure to serve small and beginning producers. The project increases sourcing from regenerative growers and improves the supply of high-quality feed for producers of all sizes.
​
Photo Credit: Timeless Food
Timeless Seeds, Inc.
Ulm, MT
Timeless Seeds is a Montana-based processor of organic lentils and chickpeas. This project upgrades cleaning equipment to reduce rejected product, increase payments to farmers, and enhance processing efficiency. It strengthens local food systems, supports farmer income, and ensures more organic pulses reach market.
​
.png)
