We partner with the University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension program to offer both classroom and on-farm training
February 19, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Program.
The grant helps Minnesota schools establish or enhance meat cutting and butchery training programs.
Applicants must be public or private schools or school districts in Minnesota that are seeking to establish or enhance meat cutting and butchery training for secondary students (Grades 6 through 12).
The MDA anticipates awarding approximately $225,000 using a competitive review process. Applicants may request a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $75,000 per project; up to 10% of each grant may be used for faculty training. Schools are not required to contribute matching funds.
The AGRI MEAT Grant application must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, through the MDA’s online application system. Decisions are expected in early May.
Visit the AGRI Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Program webpage for more information.
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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
Scientific name: Lilioceris lilii Scopoli
Important Notice: New License and Permit Surcharge
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You will need to determine your predominant mode of sales. If you know or estimate that at least 50% of your gross annual food sales will be to other businesses/establishments, then you will be required to obtain a Wholesale Food Handler license at your food storage location. If you know or estimate that retail sales (i.e., to the end consumer, online sales, etc.) will be at least 50% or more of your gross annual food sales, then you will be required to obtain a Retail Food Handler license. If you have questions regarding your predominant mode of sales, please contact the MDA Licensing Liaison.
What if I plan to conduct both retail and wholesale sales from my warehouse location?
You will need to determine your predominant mode of sales. If you know or estimate that at least 50% of your gross annual food sales will be to other businesses/establishments, then you will be required to obtain a Wholesale Food Handler license at your food storage location. If you know or estimate that retail sales (i.e., to the end consumer, online sales, etc.) will be at least 50% or more of your gross annual food sales, then you will be required to obtain a Retail Food Handler license. If you have questions regarding your predominant mode of sales, please contact the MDA Licensing Liaison.
Your truck or trailer will need a Wholesale Food Handler license to distribute food within Minnesota, and it will need to be routinely inspected. Vehicles without a separate food facility have a special fee category that should be “checked” when filling out your license application. Be aware that there are requirements for delivery vehicles, please visit Minnesota Rules for additional information.
What if my warehouse is completely contained within a truck or trailer?
Your truck or trailer will need a Wholesale Food Handler license to distribute food within Minnesota, and it will need to be routinely inspected. Vehicles without a separate food facility have a special fee category that should be “checked” when filling out your license application. Be aware that there are requirements for delivery vehicles, please visit Minnesota Rules for additional information.
Contact the MDA, determine your area Manufactured Food Program (MFP) inspector, and arrange an in-person inspection. The area MFP inspector will provide you with a paper copy of the MDA Wholesale Food Handler license application. An electronic form of the license application is NOT available through the MDA website.
