Amount available

The Produce Safety Program has approximately $26,400 to distribute via this mini-grant. Funding comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG).

This grant provides reimbursement up to $800 per farm. No matching funds from the applicant are required.

Who can apply?

Minnesota produce farmers that sell one or more of the following crops: Leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, tomatoes.

What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?

Expenses related to improvements in on-farm food safety systems including 1) water testing for generic E. coli and/or 2) other on-farm food safety improvements. Below is a list of items eligible for reimbursement.

  1. Water testing for generic E. coli
    • Pre-harvest water: Must be a quantitative testing method for generic E. coli.
    • Post-harvest water: Can be presence/absence or quantitative testing method for generic E. coli.
  2. Other on-farm food safety improvements:
    • Plastic or paper liners
    • Harvest collection tools
    • Market containers
    • Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
    • Canvas bags
    • Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
    • Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
    • Supplies to build or purchase portable produce washing station
    • Harvest totes
    • Carts and pull wagons
    • Waxed boxes

Applications are due by March 25, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

For questions, please contact the Produce Safety Program via email at ProduceSafety.MDA@state.mn.us or call 651-539-3648. Questions about the grant must be submitted by March 16, 2023 at 4:00 pm.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

 

 

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