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This application is for the 2025 Produce Safety Mini-Grant. The Produce Safety Mini-Grant helps reimburse Minnesota produce farmers for expenses that improve on-farm food safety systems. Complete grant details are available on the Mini-Grant Overview page.

Amount available

The Produce Safety Program has approximately $42,400 to distribute via this mini-grant. The grant provides reimbursement up to $800 per farm. No matching funds from the applicant are required.

Note: Due to recent Executive Orders, federal funding may be reduced or canceled. Publishing this application does not commit the state to awarding any federal funds.

Who can apply?

Produce growers who farm in Minnesota, who:

  • Grew and sold one or more of the following crops in 2024: Leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, tomatoes.
  • Have completed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Program Grower Questionnaire at least once between 2022-2025.
  • Are in good standing and not debarred or suspended to receive state or federal funds.

Only one application per farm will be accepted.

Application instructions

  • Applications are due by March 22, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
  • Answer all the questions that have an asterisk symbol (*) indicating they are required. Note that answering additional questions may help you be considered in additional drawing rounds.
  • If you have attended an applicable produce safety training and want to receive consideration for being drawn in that category you must include a copy of a certificate of attendance for a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule Grower Training or a Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training offered by the University of Minnesota Extension.

Questions

  • For questions, please contact the Produce Safety Program via email at ProduceSafety.MDA@State.mn.us or call 651-539-3648.
  • Questions about the grant must be submitted by March 14, 2025 at 4:00pm.

 

Status message

 

This form is closed to new submissions.

 

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March 19, 2025

Minnesota partner organizations who serve meat and poultry processors are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Meat Processing Train & Retain Grant.

The Meat Processing Train & Retain Grant program will award one-time funding to partner organizations that will work with small- to medium-sized meat and poultry processors in hiring and training new employees through the development of incentive projects like tuition reimbursements, sign-on and retention bonuses, and childcare stipends.

Eligible partner organizations include foundations engaged in economic development, community development financial institutions, federally recognized economic development districts, and community development corporations.

The MDA anticipates awarding up to $350,000 in Train & Retain Grants using a competitive review process. The maximum award amount is $250,000, and the minimum award amount is $10,000. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026.

This grant program prioritizes organizations working in partnership with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; or whose efforts would target or serve meat or poultry processing operations that are in distressed communities, based on the Economic Innovation Group’s Distressed Communities Index (DCI).

Grant applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. Central Time on Monday, April 28, 2025. For further information and to submit your online application, visit the Meat Processing Train & Retain Grant web page.

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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-201-6694
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us