MAWQCP Climate Smart Farms Project
Purpose
The MAWQCP Climate Smart Farms Project delivers individualized service to MAWQCP-certified producers by providing an opportunity to receive a payment of $1,000. This payment provides producers support as they work with local representatives to explore and prepare for evolving climate marketplaces and public programs. The purpose of the project is to help producers access new and reliable earned income streams for the environmental benefits they are providing our state and nation.
The Climate Smart Farm Endorsement serves a support role in working with producers to identify the climate benefits within their production systems. The endorsement enables producers to explore the existing climate benefits they are producing and potential opportunities for additional actions unique and site-specific to their agricultural land and management. Producers who obtain the Climate Smart Endorsement will also receive a copy of the “Farmers’ Guide to Carbon Market Contracts in Minnesota,” published by the Minnesota Farmers Union in partnership with Farmers' Legal Action Group and the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program.
Who’s Eligible
The payment is available to certified producers who have obtained the Climate Smart Farm Endorsement or are actively seeking the Endorsement.
In the event producers enroll or participate in a separate private or public climate payment market or program, their eligibility for and participation in the MAWQCP Climate Smart Farms Project will conclude.
Award
The MAWQCP Climate Smart Farms Project awards a payment of $1,000 to eligible producers. Applications are accepted online.
Application Period
Applications are reviewed as received. Eligibility is verified by the MAWQCP certifying agent and approved by the MDA staff. Apply online.
MAWQCP Financial Assistance Grant
Purpose
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is designed to accelerate adoption of on-farm practices that protect Minnesota’s waters. Producers going through the certification process have priority access to financial assistance. One assistance program is the MAWQCP Grant. Applications are accepted online.
Who’s Eligible
These grants are available to Minnesota producers who are already certified or actively seeking certification through the MAWQCP.
Grant Award
The grant awards up to $5000.00 to eligible producers implementing agricultural best management practices. This grant will supplement the cost of the practice as an add-on after other public funds are applied, not to exceed a total public payment cost of 75%. (Additional funds for CRP are not allowed in this grant program.)
Application Period
Grant applications are reviewed as received. Eligible practices are identified by the MAWQCP certifying agent and approved by the MDA staff. Applications for the MAWQCP Financial Assistance Grant have no application deadline and are awarded on a first come basis until all funds are expended. Apply online.
Test your Private Well
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends that private well owners test water from a faucet that is used for cooking and drinking to identify possible contaminants. Resources for private well testing include:
The Minnesota Department of Health offers resources and guidance on how and where to get your private well tested.
Tap In - Safe Drinking Water for SE MN: Free testing is available for private well users in southeast Minnesota on a first come, first served basis while funding is available. Visit the Testing Services Page to find your options & local County contact for more information.
Minnesota Corn Growers Association is offering free nitrate screenings of well water, and additional water sources, to corn farmers. The screenings are an easy way to better understand water conditions and the potential for nutrient loss on your farm. If you are interested in submitting a sample for testing or have questions, please contact your MCGA District Field Manager. Free testing will be offered seasonally, and results are confidential.
Dakota County offers a free test for private well users located within the county. Visit the link for more information on grant eligibility, application, and testing.
The Minnesota Well Owners Organization offers well testing clinics across the state. Visit the link for more information.
For questions on well water quality and testing, please email the Minnesota Department of Health Well Management Section at health.wells@state.mn.us.
MAWQCP Farm Business Management Scholarship
Purpose
The MAWQCP Farm Business Management Scholarship Program provides scholarships to water quality certified producers to learn business management strategies that will lead to profitable and competitive farming operations. The Minnesota Farm Business Management Program (FBM) is a one-on-one student led program designed to provide education to farm owners and operators with the purpose of assisting students in meeting their business and personal goals. The program focuses on using quality records and sound business decisions with tools such as the FINBIN Farm Financial Database.
Who's Eligible
This scholarship is available to Minnesota producers who are already certified through the MAWQCP. If awarded, the student must also complete a farm financial analysis with their FBM instructor.
Scholarship Award
The scholarship awards $165 per credit (approximately 75% of the cost of tuition) for new FBM students in their first and/or second semester of the FBM program and $110 per credit (approximately 50% the cost of tuition) for returning students in their third semester or beyond. Students may enroll in a maximum of 10 credits per year.
Application Period
Applications are reviewed as received. Applications for fall semester are due in October 2025. Scholarships are awarded on a first come basis until all funds are expended. To apply, work with your FBM instructor to complete the scholarship application.
