The AGRI Specialty Crop Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant Program, also referred to as the Prepare Grant, helps Minnesota specialty crop producers buy and install supplies or equipment that will help make their operations more resilient to extreme weather, including:
- Drought
- Flood
- Extreme heat
- Straight-line winds
- Hail
- Early or late frost
- Tornadoes
- Winter storms
Approximately $500,000 is available for this program. We expect to award 40 to 50 grants.
- You may request between $500 and $10,000 per farming operation for projects costing between $1,000 and $20,000; a 50% cash match is required.
- An individual or farm may only receive one Prepare grant in fiscal year (FY) 2027.
FY 2027 program changes
Beginning in FY 2027, the Prepare Grant Program will no longer fund livestock-related projects. Applicants seeking support for livestock related improvements should instead apply through the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant Program. The Prepare Grant will focus solely on projects related to specialty crops.
If you’re seeking funding to improve biosecurity and reduce the risk of avian influenza on your farm, visit the AGRI Protect Grant webpage.
Eligibility
Minnesota specialty crop producers may apply. For the purposes of this grant, specialty crops include annual and perennial fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and ornamental plants grown for sale. See USDA’s list of Specialty Crops for examples.
We will only accept one application per operation.
Project examples:
- Water tanks
- Pipeline
- Water wagons/trailers
- Wells (new improvements, fixes, replacement pumps)
- Irrigation equipment (including drip irrigation)
- Hoses
- Soil moisture sensors
- Nozzles
- Rain barrels
- Mulch
- Cover crops
- Worker safety equipment (sun shades, water stations, etc.)
- Hail netting
We issue payments on a reimbursement basis. All eligible purchases must be made after the grant contract agreement has been fully signed and reached its start date. Grant contracts are expected to start in May 2027.
Applying
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
- Carefully read the full AGRI Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant 2027 Request for Proposals (PDF) for eligibility, requirements, and priorities.
- Apply for the AGRI FY27 Specialty Crop Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant using our online application system.
- If you're a new user, you need to create an account first.
- Once logged in, select "AGRI FY27 Specialty Crop Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant."
- After you've submitted your application, you should receive a confirmation email. If you don't, contact us.
If you can't apply online, contact us for other options.
Review process
A review committee evaluates all eligible applications based on the Project Evaluation Profile in the Request for Proposals (RFP). The commissioner of agriculture considers the committee’s recommendations and makes award decisions. The process may consider geographic distribution, type of operation, applicant’s history as a previous grantee, and capacity to perform the work.
