This mini-grant will provide reimbursement for expenses related to improvements in on-farm food safety systems. Below is a list of categories 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.
- Plastic or paper liners
- Harvest collection tools
- Market containers
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable produce washing station
- Canvas bags
- Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
- Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
- Wax boxes
- Harvest totes
- Carts and pull wagons
This mini-grant will provide reimbursement for expenses related to improvements in on-farm food safety systems. Below is a list of categories 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.
- Plastic or paper liners
- Harvest collection tools
- Market containers
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable produce washing station
- Canvas bags
- Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
- Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
- Wax boxes
- Harvest totes
- Carts and pull wagons
| Reimbursement Type | Timeframe | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Past | January 1, 2022 - March 25, 2023 | Proof of purchase with application |
| Planned | March 26, 2023 - July 14, 2023 | Proof of purchase after grant approval for reimbursement |
| Past and Planned |
January 1, 2022 - March 25, 2023 |
Proof of purchase with application AND Proof of purchase after grant approval for reimbursement |
| Reimbursement Type | Timeframe | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Past | January 1, 2022 - March 25, 2023 | Proof of purchase with application |
| Planned | March 26, 2023 - July 14, 2023 | Proof of purchase after grant approval for reimbursement |
| Past and Planned |
January 1, 2022 - March 25, 2023 |
Proof of purchase with application AND Proof of purchase after grant approval for reimbursement |
This mini-grant will provide reimbursement for expenses related to improvements in on-farm food safety systems. Below is a list of categories 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.
- Plastic or paper liners
- Harvest collection tools
- Market containers
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable produce washing station
- Canvas bags
- Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
- Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
- Wax boxes
- Harvest totes
- Carts and pull wagons
- Produce growers who farm in Minnesota, that grow 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.
| Reimbursement Type | Timeframe | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Past | January 1, 2022 - March 25, 2023 | Proof of purchase with application |
| Planned | March 26, 2023 - July 14, 2023 | Proof of purchase after grant approval for reimbursement |
| Past and Planned |
January 1, 2022 - March 25, 2023 |
Proof of purchase with application AND Proof of purchase after grant approval for reimbursement |
- Applications will be accepted until March 23, 2024 11:59 pm CST
- Mailed applications must be post-marked by March 23 to be eligible.
- Questions about the grant must be submitted by March 15 at 4:00 pm CST.
- Randomized selection process will occur in April 2024
- Award notices will be sent May 2024
- Awardees must registered as a vendor within SWIFT and submit proof of purchase no later than August 2, 2024.
- Applications will be accepted until March 23, 2024 11:59 pm CST
- Mailed applications must be post-marked by March 23 to be eligible.
- Questions about the grant must be submitted by March 15 at 4:00 pm CST.
- Randomized selection process will occur in April 2024
- Award notices will be sent May 2024
- Awardees must registered as a vendor within SWIFT and submit proof of purchase no later than August 2, 2024.
The lottery selection process will consist of 5 rounds of randomized selection. Selection rounds 1-4 will each focus on drawing applicants who qualify under one of the defined funding categories. Applicants may qualify under multiple funding categories and be entered in multiple selection rounds.
However, applicants are only eligible to receive one award maximum. Applicants who are not awarded in earlier rounds will progress to the next selection round(s) they are eligible for.
The 5th and final round will draw from all remaining eligible applicants.
The lottery selection process will consist of 5 rounds of randomized selection. Selection rounds 1-4 will each focus on drawing applicants who qualify under one of the defined funding categories. Applicants may qualify under multiple funding categories and be entered in multiple selection rounds.
However, applicants are only eligible to receive one award maximum. Applicants who are not awarded in earlier rounds will progress to the next selection round(s) they are eligible for.
The 5th and final round will draw from all remaining eligible applicants.
Selection rounds 1-4 will draw from the following funding categories:
- Farmers that have completed a FSMA Produce Safety Rule Grower Training and/or a Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training offered by the University of Minnesota Extension. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $6,400.
- Farmers that were confirmed to be fully covered and subject to inspection under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule in 2023. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $6,400.
- Farmers that are underserved. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $6,400.
- Beginning farmers. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $6,400.
Within each of the above categories and initial four drawing rounds, funding will be prioritized for farmers that have completed the Grower Questionnaire at least once between 2021-2024.
