Application Review and Scoring
Feedback will be available on request. The current Request for Applications indicates that new applicants will be prioritized above grantees already receiving MN LFPA funds.
Feedback will be available on request. The current Request for Applications indicates that new applicants will be prioritized above grantees already receiving MN LFPA funds.
Additional text from the question asked: The scoring criteria in the application are worded in a way that suggests only the sourcing from new suppliers will be rewarded with points. On the food recipient side, there is not wording to indicate a reward for reaching new or different groups of underserved people.
Answer:
Within the outcomes section of the application and rubric, points are given to projects that source food from socially disadvantaged farmers and emerging farmers. Points are also given for the establishment of new sources of food or food products. There are no specific points within the outcomes section or associated scoring given to projects that expand distribution to new underserved communities. However, points elsewhere are given to projects that demonstrate opportunities to build sustainable relationships within communities. Points are also awarded to projects that have clear definition of where the work will happen and can demonstrate alignment between those producing food and those receiving it, as well projects that share power, including through models for food distribution outside of the traditional emergency food/hunger relief distribution structures.
If you have feedback that you’d like to share about the current Request for Applications, including the application questions and/or scoring rubric, you are welcome to share that with us. Stakeholder comments can be emailed to LFPAgrant@MDA.state.mn.us. We are limited in how we can engage with that feedback while the current grant process is open, but feedback will be considered in the development of future MN LFPA RFAs and/or program plans.
Additional text from the question asked: The scoring criteria in the application are worded in a way that suggests only the sourcing from new suppliers will be rewarded with points. On the food recipient side, there is not wording to indicate a reward for reaching new or different groups of underserved people.
Answer:
Within the outcomes section of the application and rubric, points are given to projects that source food from socially disadvantaged farmers and emerging farmers. Points are also given for the establishment of new sources of food or food products. There are no specific points within the outcomes section or associated scoring given to projects that expand distribution to new underserved communities. However, points elsewhere are given to projects that demonstrate opportunities to build sustainable relationships within communities. Points are also awarded to projects that have clear definition of where the work will happen and can demonstrate alignment between those producing food and those receiving it, as well projects that share power, including through models for food distribution outside of the traditional emergency food/hunger relief distribution structures.
If you have feedback that you’d like to share about the current Request for Applications, including the application questions and/or scoring rubric, you are welcome to share that with us. Stakeholder comments can be emailed to LFPAgrant@MDA.state.mn.us. We are limited in how we can engage with that feedback while the current grant process is open, but feedback will be considered in the development of future MN LFPA RFAs and/or program plans.
Feedback will be available on request. The current Request for Applications indicates that new applicants will be prioritized above grantees already receiving MN LFPA funds.
Additional text from the question asked: The scoring criteria in the application are worded in a way that suggests only the sourcing from new suppliers will be rewarded with points. On the food recipient side, there is not wording to indicate a reward for reaching new or different groups of underserved people.
Answer:
Within the outcomes section of the application and rubric, points are given to projects that source food from socially disadvantaged farmers and emerging farmers. Points are also given for the establishment of new sources of food or food products. There are no specific points within the outcomes section or associated scoring given to projects that expand distribution to new underserved communities. However, points elsewhere are given to projects that demonstrate opportunities to build sustainable relationships within communities. Points are also awarded to projects that have clear definition of where the work will happen and can demonstrate alignment between those producing food and those receiving it, as well projects that share power, including through models for food distribution outside of the traditional emergency food/hunger relief distribution structures.
If you have feedback that you’d like to share about the current Request for Applications, including the application questions and/or scoring rubric, you are welcome to share that with us. Stakeholder comments can be emailed to LFPAgrant@MDA.state.mn.us. We are limited in how we can engage with that feedback while the current grant process is open, but feedback will be considered in the development of future MN LFPA RFAs and/or program plans.
Many farmers and applicators will soon apply anhydrous ammonia (NH3) prior to planting or sidedress after planting. Even with a rush against time and the weather, safety should never be compromised. Accidents involving anhydrous ammonia have proven how dangerous and deadly the chemical can be when not handled properly.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is providing the following tips to farmers and applicators so they can safely apply anhydrous ammonia.
- Always wear appropriate goggles and gloves. Never wear contact lenses.
- Be sure to have a clean, adequate emergency water supply of at least 5 gallons.
- Exercise caution when making connections and disconnections as if lines contain anhydrous ammonia.
- Stand upwind when connecting, disconnecting, bleeding lines, or transferring NH3. Also, close, bleed, disconnect, and secure valves and transfer lines when taking breaks or disconnecting lines, and be sure to handle the hose end valve by the valve body.
- Position equipment away and downwind from homes, people, and livestock.
Safety is also key to those maintaining anhydrous ammonia equipment. Never assume NH3 lines are empty, always wear proper protective equipment, and have access to safety water.
When towing a nurse tank down the road, drive sensibly. Do not go any faster than 30 miles per hour, display a slow-moving vehicle (SVM) emblem visible from the rear, and be sure the tank is secured to the tractor or truck with two separate, independent chains that supplement the hitch pin/clip.
If an accident or spill occurs, immediately call 911 and then the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798 or 651-649-5451.
You can find more safety, storage, and transportation information on the MDA’s website.
###
Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
For Minnesota farmers and livestock producers experiencing times of stress due to business and financial challenges, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) offers a reminder of free, confidential tools that are available to help.
“From low commodity prices and extreme weather to continued threats like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Minnesota’s farmers and their families face a wide range of unique stressors that can have ripple effects in all areas of life,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “You do not have to navigate times of hardship on your own. I encourage farmers and their families to make use of the MDA’s resources designed to support you."
The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is open to anyone who is struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression. Calls are answered 24/7 by trained counselors who can lend a listening ear or connect you with help for business, financial, or legal problems. Call 833-600-2670 or text “FARMSTRESS” to 898211 to get started.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a crisis caused by either a natural disaster or financial problems, contact one of the MDA’s nine Farm Advocates. They know all about agricultural lending practices, mediation, lender negotiation, farm programs, crisis counseling, disaster programs, and to recognize the need for legal and/or social services.
Minnesota also has Ted Matthews and Monica McConkey, experienced, ag-focused mental health providers who offer confidential counseling services at no cost to farm individuals, couples, or families anywhere in the state. Sessions can take place in person, on Zoom, or over the phone, and insurance is not needed. They have helped hundreds of Minnesota farmers and farm family members over the years.
For financial assistance, the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) provides a variety of low-interest loans, including one for disaster relief. The MDA also posts a number of grant opportunities throughout the year, such as the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant, which can help improve, update, and modernize livestock operation infrastructure and equipment.
Specific to dairy farms, Dairy Business Planning Grants cover 50% of your cost to hire a qualified, independent third party to create a business plan for your operation or test for stray voltage. Dairy Profit Teams provide planning and problem-solving services throughout Minnesota.
To learn more about all of the state resources that are available to help in times of stress, visit www.minnesotafarmstress.com, or contact the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 833-600-2670 or by texting “FARMSTRESS” to 898211.
###
Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
