Minnesota produce farmers who improve their on-farm food safety systems may be eligible to reimburse those expenses through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) 2024 Produce Safety Mini-Grant, which is now accepting applications.
The Produce Safety Mini-Grant will distribute a total of approximately $33,600. Awardees will receive up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required.
To be eligible, applicants must be produce growers farming in Minnesota, who grow and 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, or tomatoes.
Applicants must also have completed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Program Grower Questionnaire at least once between 2021-2024.
Expenses must occur on or after October 1, 2023 or be planned to take place before August 2, 2024. Examples of eligible expenses include:
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
- Harvest totes or collection tools
- Water testing for generic E. coli
- Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
- Waxed boxes and market containers
Additional information and the online application are available on the MDA website.
Farmers can contact the MDA Produce Safety Program at 651-539-3648 to request a paper copy. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on March 30, 2024.
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Media Contact
Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6629
Larry.Schumacher@state.mn.us
Before the start of each round, all applications will be assigned a random number. This means, if your application will be included in multiple rounds you will not have the same randomized number for each round. By assigning a new randomized number each round, this will ensure applications will receive a fresh opportunity each round they are considered in.
Before the start of each round, all applications will be assigned a random number. This means, if your application will be included in multiple rounds you will not have the same randomized number for each round. By assigning a new randomized number each round, this will ensure applications will receive a fresh opportunity each round they are considered in.
Supporting documents can be submitted as:
- Scan(s) of the document(s)
- Digital photograph(s) of the document(s)
Note: Do no submit original documents as they will not be returned. If you do not have access or ability to scan or photograph the documents, please contact your local Extension office or library; they may be able to assist.
Supporting documents can be submitted as:
- Scan(s) of the document(s)
- Digital photograph(s) of the document(s)
Note: Do no submit original documents as they will not be returned. If you do not have access or ability to scan or photograph the documents, please contact your local Extension office or library; they may be able to assist.
No, your grant application and all supporting documents should be submitted via the same method and at one time.
