“The Food Security Grant has quickly become one of the most popular and successful grants provided by UDAF,” said Kelly Pehrson, UDAF Commissioner. “We are proud to continue to offer this grant opportunity to strengthen local food processing and help prevent potential food shortages.”

The UFSG program was created in 2022 with an initial one-time $1 million investment by the State Legislature; the success of the program was continued with three additional $1 million appropriations during the 2023-2025 legislative sessions. During the program’s first three years, $3 million in grant awards was awarded to 56 businesses across the state. This program has been highly successful, benefiting local farms and ranches, processing businesses, and consumers while reducing food waste and transportation costs.

This year, grant awards will be capped at $200,000. There is no minimum award, and $20,000 will be held for microgrants of $5,000 or less. At least $500,000 will be awarded to meat and poultry businesses. Eligible entities include for-profit, non-profit, producer co-op, and state and local governments. All grant-funded activities must result in the sale of processed products; ineligible activities include homesteading, research, land purchases, and payroll, among others.

Grant Q&A sessions will be held for anyone who has questions about the grant application or the qualification requirements on May 7th from 6-8pm and June 4th from 11am-1pm.

The application opened on May 1st, and will close on June 8, 2025 at 11:59pm. For more information, to register for a Q&A session, and for the link to apply, please visit ag.utah.gov/foodsecuritygrant/ or email aross@utah.gov.

– Utah Department of Agriculture and Food press release

Rep. Maloy and Sen. Curtis introduce bill to provide Shivwits Band of Paiutes with jurisdictional clarity

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Senator John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act to affirm Utah State court jurisdiction over civil cases involving the Shivwits Band of Paiutes. This will ensure that both the Shivwits Band and third parties seeking to engage in business and development on Shivwits Band Indian lands will have access to a state or federal court forum to resolve disputes.

Washington County wrote in support of the bill calling it a “a legislative fix to a judicially created problem that has stunted the Band’s ability to engage in economic development and self-determination.”

– US Congresswoman Celeste Maloy press release

Sen. Curtis resolution overturning harmful EPA rule passes Senate

The U.S. Senate today passed legislation introduced by Senator John Curtis (R-UT) to overturn the Biden Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule reestablishing the so-called “Once In, Always In” policy under the Clean Air Act. The resolution, passed by a simple majority vote, restores a pathway for emissions reductions to be recognized in regulatory classification–allowing chemical manufacturers, refineries, and energy producers to make environmental improvements without being penalized by permanent red tape.

“The rule put forward under the former Administration shut the door on progress. It told companies that no matter how much they invest to reduce harmful emissions, they would still be punished with permanent red tape,” said Senator Curtis. “That’s not good science, it’s not good governance, and it certainly isn’t good for the environment. My resolution restores a common-sense incentive: if you clean up, you get credit for it.”

– Senator John Curtis press release

Sen. Lee introduces bill to protect children online, hold app stores accountable

U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the App Store Accountability Act today, a bill providing parents with tools to protect their children from harmful content on mobile apps. Representative John James (R-MI) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives.

“For too long, Big Tech has profited from app stores through which children in America and across the world access violent and sexual material while risking contact from online predators,” said Senator Lee. “Our legislation brings age verification and accountability to the source of the problem.”

The App Store Accountability Act empowers parents as decision makers for their children’s online safety and holds app stores responsible for providing safeguards. The legislation requires app stores and developers to protect children by requiring parental approval for app downloads and providing accurate age ratings for apps. The bill also prohibits any selling or sharing of sensitive data or any act that would restrict free speech or expression.

– Senator Mike Lee press release

9th Annual Utah Veteran-Owned Business Conference Fueling Entrepreneurial Success

The Utah Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC) is thrilled to announce the 9th Annual Veteran-Owned Business Conference, taking place on May 9, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Salt Lake Community College, 4600 S Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84123.

The VBRC has designated 2025 as the Year of the Veteran Entrepreneur, and this conference will highlight the numerous services and resources available to veterans and their families who are interested in starting a business. This event will bring together business leaders, veteran entrepreneurs, and industry professionals from across Utah to network, share valuable insights, and explore new opportunities for business growth.

This year’s conference is honored to host Paden Sickles, a veteran and the founder of SickFit (https://sickfitofficial.com), as the keynote speaker. Paden will share her inspiring journey of building a successful company from the ground up, offering invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, resilience, and strategic development. We are also pleased to welcome special guests from Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, who will provide an insightful overview of the current landscape of veteran entrepreneurship in Utah.

– Utah Veteran Business Resource Center press release