There are many kinds of assistance available to agricultural entrepreneurs:

Business Planning

• Ag Plan free business planning software (UMN Center for Farm Financial Mgt.)
• Building a Sustainable Business (UMN Inst. for Sustainable Agriculture and Sustainable Agriculture Network)

Funding Sources – Grants and Loans

• MDA Grant Programs (Dairy Business Planning, Dairy Profitability, Sustainable Agriculture)
• Farmer Rancher Grant Program (USDA-SARE)
• Rural Business Enterprise Grant - USDA-Rural Development
• MDA Loan Programs (Ag BMP, Aggie Bond, Agricultural Improvement, Basic Farm, Dairy Modernization, Livestock Expansion, Livestock Equipment, Methane Digester, Seller-Assisted, Sustainable Agriculture, Value-added Stock)
• Farm Service Agency (USDA)
• Small Farm Funding Resources (USDA Rural Information Center)
• Funding Resources - Rural Information Center (National Agricultural Library)

Legal Considerations

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture Dairy and Food Inspection Division – consult them about state laws and regulations related to the production, processing and sale of milk and other dairy products, processed foods, meats, beverages, eggs, poultry and poultry products, and animal feed
• Minnesota Statues, Laws and Rules
• Farmers Legal Action Group

Technical, Scientific, and Business Expertise

• Agricultural Utilization Research Institute – Provides help for feasibility studies, product development, and market access.
• Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) - Business Counseling
• Small Business Administration
• Agricultural Marketing Resource Center
• Ag Risk Library

MDA Contact

Meg Moynihan
Minnesota Farm Opportunities
651-201-6616
Ag Marketing & Development Division