N.H. Food Producer Gets $96K Grant for Freeze-Dried Vegetables, June 07

Micro Mama’s, a New Hampshire fermented vegetable company, received a $96,000 federal grant from the US Department of Agriculture to purchase freeze-drying equipment. The investment aims to help local farmers turn a profit by processing vegetables into new products like freeze-dried kimchi. New Hampshire ranks third in the region for local food sales at 4.6 percent, behind Vermont and Maine.

Why New Hampshire Lags Behind Neighboring States

New Hampshire ranks second to last in New England for vegetable sales at $23 million and agriculture value at $209 million. Many farmers in the state struggle to remain profitable. Other New England states have more robust infrastructure for food processing, purchasing, and distribution that supports local production, according to Shawn Menard, executive director of Seacoast Eat Local.

How the Grant Addresses Equipment Barriers

The $96,000 grant funded an individual quick freezer and a freeze dryer for Micro Mama’s. Food experts say equipment costs have prevented other small local businesses from offering similar products. The freeze-drying process creates novel items like freeze-dried kimchi, a spicy fermented vegetable product based on traditional Korean cuisine.

Micro Mama’s Expansion and Market Reach

Micro Mama’s has operated since 2012, sourcing local produce and transforming it into fermented vegetables. The company sells at more than 50 locations around New England, including about 30 Whole Foods stores. The new equipment allows the company to expand its product line and help other farmers and producers in New Hampshire access processing technology.

Regional Food Self-Sufficiency Goals

Vermont leads New England with 10.7 percent of food sales from local sources, followed by Maine at 4.9 percent. Massachusetts ranks fourth at 3.6 percent. New England organizations set a goal to produce 30 percent of the region’s food by 2030, according to 2024 data from New England Feeding New England. Analysts at Micro Mama’s expansion suggest equipment access is key to scaling local production. With the grant funding processing equipment, small-scale farming becomes more viable for New Hampshire producers.

Final Thoughts

The $96K grant removes a major barrier for New Hampshire food producers by funding shared processing equipment. This could help local farmers improve profitability and boost the state’s lagging food production sector toward regional self-sufficiency goals.

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