Attention: This page contains information on how to apply for a Food Certificate of Free Sale.
August 20, 2024
To combat the spread of avian influenza on Minnesota farms, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for grants to help livestock producers buy and install preventative equipment for their operations.
Funded through a 2024 legislative appropriation to the MDA’s Agricultural Growth and Research Initiative (AGRI) Program, the Protect Grant reimburses up to 80% of the cost of eligible virus prevention measures, with a maximum award of $10,000 per farm. A 20% cash match is required, which may be reduced by up to $2,000 for related time and labor costs incurred by the applicant. Approximately $500,000 will be awarded in this round of grants.
A previous round of Protect Grant funding in early 2024 awarded $500,000 to 54 producers in 34 counties across the state.
“As Minnesota’s livestock operations continue to be on the frontlines of the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, it’s essential that producers take every opportunity available to protect their animals and prevent the further spread of this disease. I thank the state Legislature for this funding, which will be helpful in mitigating the virus’ future impact on Minnesota agriculture,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.
Protect Grant applicants must be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota that produces and sells at least $1,000 of livestock products annually. Beginning farmers (those who have farmed for 10 years or less) will be prioritized in this round of awards.
For the purposes of this grant, livestock includes beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (flightless birds including emu), and llamas.
Examples of eligible equipment include lasers, sound machines, and other measures to scare wild species away from livestock operations; isolation pens; electronic animal ID systems; air filtration systems; Danish entry systems; and truck washes.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, October 31, 2024, and the MDA plans to notify applicants of decisions no later than December 18, 2024. Grant awards can only be used for the purchase of eligible items made after grant contract agreements are signed, which is expected to take place in February 2025.
Visit the MDA website for full grant details and to apply.
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
License Title (formerly Alternate License Title)
Food Certificate for Export/Certificate of Free Sale
These grants can be used for a variety of farm planning and modernization activities. Examples include evaluating the feasibility of expanding a dairy, environmental upgrades, value-added opportunities, and creating strategies to transfer the operation to a family member or other new owner. Regardless of the specific activity, the consultation work done for your project must produce a comprehensive business plan by the end of the grant.
What types of projects are eligible for the DBPG?
These grants can be used for a variety of farm planning and modernization activities. Examples include evaluating the feasibility of expanding a dairy, environmental upgrades, value-added opportunities, and creating strategies to transfer the operation to a family member or other new owner. Regardless of the specific activity, the consultation work done for your project must produce a comprehensive business plan by the end of the grant.
Since only one person per farm can apply, it should be the principal operator. This is the person who is the main manager of day-to-day operations. The principal operator can be an owner, hired manager, cash tenant, share tenant, or partner. If you think you have more than one principal operator, make sure only one of you applies.
