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A new grant opportunity for organizations that support emerging farmers is now open for applications through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Rural Finance Authority (RFA).

The Emerging Farmer Technical Assistance Grant is available to those who provide technical assistance services to emerging farmers in Minnesota. Grant funds can also be used by these organizations to pay up to 65% of emerging farmers’ premium expenses for up to two years under the USDA Micro Farm Crop Insurance program.

“Access to culturally appropriate technical assistance is a top need for Minnesota’s emerging farmers,” says Patrice Bailey, assistant commissioner at the MDA. “This grant is an important tool to support farmers and producers across the state in overcoming disparities and barriers to opening new pathways to agriculture.”

Technical assistance consists of helping farmers with financials, business planning, record keeping, regulations, land access, marketing, applying for state and federal programs, and/or other farm business needs.

Emerging farmers include farmers who are American Indian or Alaskan Natives, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, members of a community of color, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, or any other emerging farmers as determined by the commissioner of agriculture.

Applications for the grant are due by June 26, 2023, at 8 a.m. The RFA will award $540,000 in one-time grants through a competitive review process, with a maximum award amount of $100,000 and a minimum award amount of $10,000. Decisions are expected in July 2023.

For more information and to access the application materials, visit the Emerging Farmer Technical Assistance Grant webpage.

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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting consumers to avoid consuming any flavor of Wonky Weeds brand delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) syrup due to product contamination with mold. During a recent inspection, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy identified mold growth in the THC syrup products. Customers who purchased these products should discard them and not use them. No illnesses associated with mold contamination in these products have been reported at this time in Minnesota.

All Wonky Weeds brand delta-9 THC syrups made by Wonky Confections/Northland Vapors are affected by this advisory. Products were distributed in Minnesota and nationally through internet and retail sales. Product flavors include grape, cherry, blue razz, and pineapple.

Certain mold strains are dangerous because they cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in susceptible populations. Some mold produces poisonous mycotoxins and aflatoxins that can make people sick. Acute symptoms from mold exposure can vary and may include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, skin irritation, respiratory issues, or itchy eyes, nose, or throat.

Contact your health care provider if you have become ill after consuming Wonky Weeds delta-9 THC syrup. Report any adverse events with these products or any other cannabis-derived products to the FDA via MedWatch.

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Media Contact

Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
Email: larry.schumacher@state.mn.us
Phone: 651-201-6629

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture convened a meeting today to discuss options for the HyLife Foods Windom, LLC pork production plant. On April 11, the company notified state officials the plant will permanently close in June if a new buyer is not found.

The meeting included the city of Windom, staff from Minnesota’s congressional delegation, Sen. Bill Weber, Rep. Marj Fogelman, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, and the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.

City and state officials and policymakers stand ready to work with HyLife to help secure a new buyer for the facility, placing an emphasis on housing and infrastructure needs. Support for the nearly 1,000 plant workers remains a focus. The prosperity of the Windom area and southwest Minnesota are a top priority.

Following the meeting, Windom Mayor Dominic Jones spoke to a representative of the HyLife facility, and the company reiterated their position of actively working toward selling the facility and continuing to operate production for the immediate future.

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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us