Yes, employees could attend out-of-state courses. The tuition expenses would be eligible. However, partnership with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is prioritized in the application process.

Would processor employees be able to attend meat cutting/butchery classes out-of-state? Would the course tuition be eligible expenses?

Yes, employees could attend out-of-state courses. The tuition expenses would be eligible. However, partnership with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is prioritized in the application process.

No

If the processor is producing edible meat and poultry products, they would be eligible to receive funds from the applicant organization. This means the processor must be subject to Minnesota “Equal to” or USDA inspection, hold a custom exempt permit, or be considered retail exempt.

Are meat and poultry processors that make pet food as their end product eligible for funds from the applying organization?

If the processor is producing edible meat and poultry products, they would be eligible to receive funds from the applicant organization. This means the processor must be subject to Minnesota “Equal to” or USDA inspection, hold a custom exempt permit, or be considered retail exempt.

No

Meat processing employees who are hired June 15, 2025, and after would be eligible to receive funds from the applicant organization, unless the grant contract is executed earlier.

Who is considered a "new" employee?

Meat processing employees who are hired June 15, 2025, and after would be eligible to receive funds from the applicant organization, unless the grant contract is executed earlier.

No

The applicant organization/grantee would be subject to the pre-award financial risk assessment (if the grant award is $50,000 or greater). The grantee’s books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices of the grantee or other party that are relevant to the grant or transaction are subject to examination by the MDA, the Department of Administration, and either the legislative auditor or state auditor, as appropriate (MINN. STAT. 16B.98, subd. 8).

Who is subject to the review and audit by the MDA?

The applicant organization/grantee would be subject to the pre-award financial risk assessment (if the grant award is $50,000 or greater). The grantee’s books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices of the grantee or other party that are relevant to the grant or transaction are subject to examination by the MDA, the Department of Administration, and either the legislative auditor or state auditor, as appropriate (MINN. STAT. 16B.98, subd. 8).

No

As stated on page 3 of the Train and Retain RFP, projects must be conducted in Minnesota to be eligible. Participating meat and poultry processors must be located in Minnesota and licensed by the state of Minnesota.