Illinois Department of Natural Resources launches the Market Value Grant Program

March 14, 2019

Using harvest efforts, commercial fishers can reduce impacts of invasive species to provide value added products such as this potato crusted silverfin found in dining halls at University of Illinois. Photo courtesy of University of Illinois Dining Services.

Recently, Illinois Department of Natural Resources launched the Market Value Grant Program or MVP, offering up to $8,000 to fish processors and product makers to defray costs of business travel and trade show attendance to market their Asian carp products. The MVP launch in 2019 provides a way to defray business costs for further development and marketing of Asian carp ventures with the goal of heightened control and management. Such efforts have been identified as critical for management and control of these invasive species as outlined in the Business Process Analysis and Action Plan. This plan supports efforts to increase sales of Asian carp products as a useful method to encourage removal of these fish from Illinois’ waterways. Products include a variety of fine dining filets, fish cakes, burgers, smoked fish, fish paste, and fish powder; pet foods; fish meal; fertilizer; medical applications; nutritional suppliments; and others.

MVP eligible applicants include currently operating Asian carp fish processors and product makers with active sales of Asian carp products. They can be located either in-state or out-of-state, but must provide evidence of purchase and use of Illinois-caught Asian carp, and business travel or trade show expenses that correspond to quantifiable goals to be achieved. Applicants also must provide 20% match of the grant funds. Applications must be received prior to the event and/or travel. Approved grants and expenditures will be reimbursed once the event and/or travel has occurred. Receipts also must be verified, and goals met to receive reimbursement. IDNR in collaboration with USEPA and federal partners are excited to offer this program to processors and product makers to support Asian carp management. Several potential applicants have expressed interest in the program and two applications have been submitted to date. This program is a pilot with currently limited grants/funds.

For further information or to apply to the program visit the Market Value Program webpage or contact Gina Behnfeldt, gina.behnfeldt@tetratech.com, 215-702-4094.