A popular Prosser fruit and chocolate artisan shop will use a recently-awarded state grant to expand its ability to produce more of its cherry-based treats. 

Chukar Cherries received $20,366 from the state Department of Agriculture’s latest round of Equipment Plus Grants, which are part of the agency’s Regional Markets Program.  

In its application, Chukar Cherries said it would use the grant to “install an additional fresh cherry processing line to increase the amount of cherries we can purchase from local growers.” 

There were a number of companies in the region who also received grants. Chukar Cherries was the only one to receive funding in Benton and Franklin counties, according to a release. 

The state awarded grants to 82 projects across 31 counties, with amounts ranging from $13,019 to $75,000.  

“These grant investments are ensuring food business entrepreneurs remain engines for innovation, growth and sustainability in Washington’s vibrant local food economy,” Derek Sandison, director of the state Department of Agriculture, said in a statement. “The high demand for regional markets programs is a testament to the continued need for this scale of investment in our local food system.” 

Other businesses in the region receiving funding include:  

Adams County 

• The Butcher’s Wife, $30,000 for a higher capacity stuffer to increase processing capacity. 

Walla Walla County 

• Cheesed Farms, LLC, $34,070 for a freeze-drying machine, electrical work for equipment and finishing of floors and walls for health code compliance. 
• Fresh Nature Foods, $67,000 for a truck and trailer for increased aggregation of locally-grown chickpeas for processing and distribution to buyers. 
• GOODNESS Botanicals, $37,376 for a commercial refrigerator and freezer as well as a water activity meter to ensure food safety and grow processing capacity.  
• Twains Grains LLC, $38,500 for a mobile retail and education trailer to support agritourism and promote Washington grain. 

Yakima County 

• NOMAD, $37,673 for an ice cream maker and freezer displays for its retail market operations. 
• Snipes Mountain Ranch, $58,763 for a freezer trailer, walk-in freezer and a vending machine to expand storage and delivery capacity.