CO HB1226

Creates the Agricultural Development and Investment Partnership Program administered by the Colorado agricultural value-added development board to provide proof-of-concept, early-stage capital, and market development grants to agricultural businesses.

Establishes a seven-member advisory body with expertise in technology, science, agricultural production, business management, and finance to review grant applications and make recommendations.

Provides three grant types: proof-of-concept grants up to $100,000 (requiring 25% matching funds), early-stage capital grants up to $250,000 (requiring equal matching funds), and market development reimbursements up to $15,000 per year (requiring 50% matching funds).

Gives priority to rural counties with populations not exceeding 150,000 people, requiring grant recipients to sign agreements to remain in or benefit the rural county.

Appropriates $1,000,000 annually from the general fund through fiscal year 2019-20, with the board able to use up to 5% for administration.