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.
- 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.
- 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.
