Emerging Farmers Office Help Line
651-201-6200
January 30, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced that applications are now open for the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).
The SCBGP funds projects that will increase the competitiveness of Minnesota grown specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets by:
- Leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;
- Assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;
- Expanding availability and access to specialty crops; or,
- Addressing local and regional challenges confronting specialty crop producers.
The MDA encourages nonprofit organizations, producer organizations, government agencies, tribes, universities, and other agricultural groups to apply for the grant. For-profit entities, farms, and other businesses who want to develop sector-wide research and development projects are also eligible.
Applications for the 2023 grants will be accepted through March 13, 2023. Applicants may request between $20,000 and $125,000, and the MDA anticipates awarding roughly $1.25 million in total for this round.
Recipients of the 2022 grants will be announced at a forthcoming date.
To access the grant application and more information, including a list of eligibility requirements, visit the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program webpage. Questions may be directed to Ian Kushner at Ian.Kushner@state.mn.us or 651-201-6652.
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
February 1, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Value-Added Grant Program.
The program provides funding to help processors add value to Minnesota agricultural products by investing in production capacity, market diversification, and market access for value-added products.
Applicants must:
- Be an individual (including farmers), business, agricultural cooperative, nonprofit, educational institution, or local unit of government (including tribal governments) engaged in the processing of Minnesota agricultural products.
- Currently reside in Minnesota or be authorized to conduct business in Minnesota.
The MDA anticipates awarding approximately $1 million in this round of funding using a competitive review process. The maximum equipment award is $150,000, and the minimum award is $1,000. Grantees are responsible for at least 75% of the total project cost as a cash match.
The AGRI Value-Added Grant application must be received by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, through the MDA’s online application system. Decisions are expected in early May.
If a grant application submitted during the Fiscal Year 2023 AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant round was not selected, it will automatically be considered for this AGRI Value-Added Grant round.
For more information, visit the AGRI Value-Added Grant Program website.
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
Women in Ag Network Conference
Starts:
Tue, 02/7/2023 - 8:30 am
Ends:
Tue, 02/7/2023 - 3:00 pm
Location:
Willmar Conference Center240 23rd St SE
Willmar, MN 56201
MDA is a:
Sponsor
Exhibitor
External Contact:
Details:
Hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension. This year's theme is Building Resilience on your Farm and in your Family. During these unprecedented times, it is important to make time and connect with other women in agriculture. The focus of the conference is on connecting women in agriculture and providing them with the tools to strengthen their connection with other producers and consumers.
Monica McConkey, Agricultural Mental Health Specialist, is the keynote speaker.
Principal Investigator: Greg Wilson
February 27, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is looking for public input as the agency develops a strategic plan for 2023-2027. Building on feedback gathered in the fall of 2022 for legislative session ideas, the MDA is again looking for input as the department reviews and shapes goals and priorities for the next four years.
The MDA seeks to engage with communities throughout Minnesota to hear ideas that reflect the diversity of the state. Input is welcome from all, especially emerging and beginning farmers who may have had little to no interaction with state government.
Citizens are encouraged to share their ideas online or by attending one of two virtual input sessions. The online form is open until 5 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2023.
The input sessions will be held:
- Tuesday, March 7, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register for this event.
- Wednesday, March 8, 2023, from 2 – 3 p.m. Register for this event.
Please send requests for interpretation through the registration link three business days ahead of the session to ensure accommodation. Recordings of these sessions will be available for 30 days after they occur.
Note that all submissions and ideas will be reviewed and considered; however, not every item can be included in the final strategic plan.
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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
No, you would not be eligible under the current grant. The current mini-grant is available to produce farmers whose growing and harvesting activities are located within the state of Minnesota.
