A new food or agriculture business can compete for startup funds

Anyone who has a good idea for a food or agriculture business may qualify to compete for up to $30,000 in startup funds.

The American Farm Bureau is holding a Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge, the first national business competition focused solely on rural entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses, according to a release.

Business ideas include ag technologies, agritourism, farmers markets, greenhouses, farm-to-table businesses, wineries and breweries.

The rural entrepreneurs will pitch their innovative business ideas to a team of judges with expertise in business development and agribusiness. These entrepreneurs compete for a total of $145,000 in startup funds. The Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year award winner receives $30,000 and the People's Choice award winner receives $25,000. The deadline for applications is June 30.

For more information and to apply, go to http://www.strongruralamerica.com/challenge/.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 12:37 PM with the headline "A new food or agriculture business can compete for startup funds."