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August 9, 2023

Minnesota’s value-added businesses and livestock processors seeking to start up, modernize, or expand their operations are encouraged to apply for two funding opportunities currently available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA): the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Value-Added Grant and Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant programs.

These programs are intended to increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products by investing in equipment and physical improvements that support processing, capacity, market diversification, and market access.

Applicants must:

  • Intend to or be engaged in the processing of Minnesota agricultural products; or intend to or be engaged with livestock slaughter or processing, including meat, poultry, egg, and/or milk.

  • Be an individual, business, agricultural cooperative, nonprofit, educational institution, local unit of government, or tribal government.

  • Currently reside in Minnesota and be authorized to conduct business in Minnesota.

The MDA anticipates awarding up to $3 million between the two programs in fiscal year 2024 using a competitive review process. The maximum award is $150,000, and the minimum award is $1,000. Grantees are responsible for at least 50% of the total cost for the first $50,000 and 75% of the total cost for every dollar after as a cash match.

Grant applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, and funding for both programs will be awarded in early 2024.

For full eligibility details and to submit an application, visit the AGRI Value-Added Grant or the Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant webpages.

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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us

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If you receive a grant from us, you must follow certain rules when you buy supplies or services for your grant project.

Sample Grant Agreement for Non-Governmental Organizations (Microsoft Word)
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Fertilizer Registrants and Manufacturers

Minnesota law (Chapter 18C.401, Subd.

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When non-traditional claims are stated on a label or labeling concerning a product or when an application for a license or

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August 15, 2023

Two grants that aim to increase local purchasing in Minnesota Farm to School and Early Care programs are now open for applications through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Through this round of Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Farm to School and Early Care Grants, school districts and early childhood education (ECE) centers across Minnesota will receive a total of $935,000 to purchase Minnesota-grown and -raised foods for use in federal meal programs. This is the first year that this program is available to ECE centers, in addition to school districts.

“These grants have helped bring more fresh, local foods to Minnesota schools, and we’re excited to now be able to extend this same opportunity to our state’s early childhood education centers,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “When schools and ECE centers buy locally grown and raised foods, our students, farmers, and communities all benefit.”

School districts and ECE centers may apply for one of two grants:

The First Bite Grant is intended to be an intentional learning process for the applicant. School districts and ECE centers may apply for a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $5,000. There is no match required.

The Full Tray Grant will be awarded to school districts and ECE centers that have experience purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised products and want to expand their Farm to School and Early Care programs. Applicants may apply for up to $35,000 based on the number of meals served as a part of a federal meal program in October 2022. Grants require a 1:1 match.

In addition to funds for food, applicants for both grant programs may also apply for up to $25,000 for equipment purchases to support their Farm to School and Early Care programs. First Bite and Full Tray Grant applicants must match the equipment portion of their grant on a 1:1 basis. Schools and ECE centers may not apply only to fund equipment purchases.

Grant applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Visit the First Bite Grant and Full Tray Grant webpages for full eligibility and application details.

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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us