September 5, 2023
Minnesota organic farmers and handlers are encouraged to apply for a rebate of up to 75% of their organic certification costs through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The Minnesota Organic Certification Cost-Share Program is now accepting applications through November 1, 2023.
Organic certification is a third-party verification system that assures consumers the organic products they buy are produced in accordance with federal organic regulations. Organic operations must follow National Organic Standards and are monitored through review of their records and on-site inspections at least once a year.
Operations that received certification (or had ongoing certification) between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, are eligible for reimbursement of up to 75% of certification-related expenses, with a maximum of $750 per category (crop, livestock, processing/handling, and wild harvest). Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and come from a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Interested farmers or handlers can review full program and application details on the cost-share program web page. Applicants that do not wish to apply through the MDA may apply through their local FSA Office. Questions can be directed to Cassie Dahl at Cassie.Dahl@state.mn.us or 651-201-6134.
For those transitioning a farm operation to organic, the MDA also offers the Minnesota Transition to Organic Cost-Share Program.
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Webinar
Starts:
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 2:00 pm
Ends:
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 3:00 pm
MDA is a:
Presenter
Details:
Join this informational webinar to learn about the AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program. This program is a competitive funding opportunity for Minnesota retail service stations to increase access to and sales of motor fuel blends containing at least 15% ethanol.
You're encouraged to submit questions in advance when you register.
Funding for the Biofuels Infrastructure Grant comes from the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program which supports the advancement of Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy industries. AGRI has made significant economic impacts by increasing productivity, improving efficiency, and assisting the development of agricultural products.
September 11, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding farmers and commercial applicators that fall nitrogen fertilizer applications are restricted in some areas of the state. Under the MDA’s Groundwater Protection Rule, fall nitrogen fertilizer application is prohibited in vulnerable areas of Minnesota due to environmental concerns or risks. Areas with coarse-textured soils or areas above fractured bedrock or karst geology are the most vulnerable to nitrate loss and groundwater contamination.
The restrictions begin September 1 each year. Farmers are encouraged to check the online map prior to fall application to determine if their fields are subject to these restrictions. View a map of the vulnerable regions of the state. For more information on the restrictions outlined in the Groundwater Protection Rule, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/nfr.
In other areas of the state where fall nitrogen fertilizer application is allowed, the MDA advises farmers and commercial applicators to check soil temperatures and wait for cooler conditions. Research shows that delaying fall application of anhydrous ammonia and urea fertilizer, as well as manure, until the average soil temperatures reach 50 degrees F or cooler helps prevent nitrogen loss, protects water quality, and ensures more nitrogen will be available for next season’s crop.
To assist tracking soil temperature, the MDA provides real-time, 6-inch soil temperatures at 25 locations across the state. In addition, the MDA provides links to soil temperature from the University of Minnesota research stations and the North Dakota Ag Weather Network (NDAWN) weather stations. View the interactive map to find the current 6-inch soil temperature and the past week’s history.
Although the soil temperature network was established to support application of nitrogen fertilizer, it is equally useful for those applying manure in the fall. University of Minnesota Extension also recommends the same temperature delay (6-inch soil temperature below 50 degrees F) to prevent leaching losses.
For more information on the 6-inch Soil Temperature Network visit www.mda.state.mn.us/soiltemp.
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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
If the product is a distributor product, it must meet federal registration/labeling requirements as laid out in the Supplemental distribution code (40 CFR 145.132)
Labeling must be provided for the following:
- Label of the box/ container
- Individual labels for each product (pesticide or non-pesticide) found inside the box. The active ingredient list found on the box/container referenced above does not count.
- Supplemental labels/pamphlets
According to the Sale and Distribution of Misbranded Pesticides and Devices statute, a person may not offer for sale or distribute a pesticide or device determined by the commissioner to be misbranded, including a pesticide or device that:
- is an imitation of or is offered for sale under the name of another pesticide or device; or
- does not comply with the labeling requirements under this chapter or FIFRA.
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA Section 2(p)) defines pesticide “label” and “labeling” as:
- Label: The written, printed, or graphic matter on, or attached to, the pesticide or device or any of its containers or wrappers.
- Labeling: All labels and all other written, printed, or graphic matter accompanying the pesticide or device at any time, or to which reference is made on the label or in literature accompanying the pesticide or device, except to current official publications of the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Departments of Agriculture and Interior, and the Department of Health and Human Services, State experiment stations, State agricultural colleges, and other similar Federal or State institutions or agencies authorized by law to conduct research in the field of pesticides.
Products found within the kit must bear the same name on all kit labeling as the individual product registration held with the state (Pesticide Registration Statute).
Example: if a kit named “Daily Disinfectant Necessities Kit” lists “Baxter’s Best Surface Disinfectant” as a pesticide product to be found within the kit, then the individual pesticide product must also be registered separately with the state with the same name “Baxter’s Best Surface Disinfectant”.
A different name would require an additional separate registration.
Additional Kit Labeling Recommendations
Complete labeling of each pesticide product with the kit should be visible on the exterior package label. Non-pesticide products listed as included in the kit do not require the full labeling to be visible on the exterior package but should state full product labeling can be found on the inside of the kit itself.
Product Label Revisions
If significant changes are made to product label content the registrant must submit a completed Pesticide Label Revision Checklist (listed under "Forms + Resources") along with a digital copy of the updated label and safety data sheet. Instructions are included within the form.
Addition of Hemp: For a company’s product to be recognized by the State of Minnesota for use on hemp, the product must be recognized by the EPA for use on Hemp and a revised label referencing the products use on hemp must be submitted to the State.
When submitting this new label please:
- Fill out a Pesticide Label Revision Checklist (listed under "Forms + Resources") making sure to note that a new crop use has been added.
- Email the checklist along with the updated label to Pesticide.Registration.mda@state.mn.us with the subject line: HEMP Revised Label.
- If the label will be/has been submitted via ALSTAR there is no need to re-attach the label, but please indicate this in the email.
