The MDA is the lead state agency for all aspects of pesticide and fertilizer environmental and regulatory functions.
March 31, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Minnesota Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. The program provides funding for projects that buy local food primarily from socially disadvantaged and emerging farmers and distribute that food to underserved communities. The MDA anticipates that applications will propose a wide range of models for local food procurement and distribution, knowing that there is no one-size-fits-all model that can effectively serve the whole state.
Individuals (including farmers), non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, tribal nations, government entities, agricultural cooperatives, economic development organizations, and educational institutions are eligible to apply. Applicants are required to partner with at least one other individual or organization as part of their application to support collaboration within communities.
Applications for the 2023 grants will be accepted through May 30, 2023. Applicants may request between $10,000 and $100,000 and indicate their interest in additional funding if available. The MDA anticipates awarding roughly $2.125 million in total for this round. A second, competitive application process is anticipated to be issued in the fall of 2023.
Interested parties can attend one of two virtual information sessions to learn more about the LFPA Program. The sessions will be held at the following times:
- April 18, 2023, from 5 – 6 p.m. Register for this event.
- April 19, 2023, from 12 – 1 p.m. Register for this event.
Additional information about the grant program, including complete eligibility requirements, is available on the MDA website. Applications are preferred to be submitted online. Questions and requests for paper applications can be directed to MN LFPA Program staff at LFPAgrant.MDA@state.mn.us, 651-201-6290, or by mail:
MN Local Food Purchase Assistance Program
Commissioner’s Office
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service awarded the MDA $3.82 million in LFPA funding in September 2022. The LFPA Program is authorized by the American Rescue Plan to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.
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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
The MDA is developing a strategic plan for 2023 through 2027. We gathered public input in March 2023 as the first stage of that process and are currently drafting a plan using that feedback. View the slideshow that was shared during the virtual input sessions and provides a initial framework for the plan. Look for additional updates to come.
April 10, 2023
Many farmers and applicators will soon apply anhydrous ammonia (NH3) prior to planting or sidedress after planting. Even with a rush against time and the weather, safety should never be compromised. Accidents involving anhydrous ammonia have proven how dangerous and deadly the chemical can be when not handled properly.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is providing the following tips to farmers and applicators so they can safely apply anhydrous ammonia.
- Always wear appropriate goggles and gloves. Never wear contact lenses.
- Be sure to have a clean, adequate emergency water supply of at least 5 gallons.
- Exercise caution when making connections and disconnections as if lines contain anhydrous ammonia.
- Stand upwind when connecting, disconnecting, bleeding lines, or transferring NH3. Also, close, bleed, disconnect, and secure valves and transfer lines when taking breaks or disconnecting lines, and be sure to handle hose end valve by the valve body.
- Position equipment away and downwind from homes, people, and livestock.
Safety is also key to those maintaining anhydrous ammonia equipment. Never assume NH3 lines are empty, always wear proper protective equipment, and have access to safety water.
When towing a nurse tank down the road, drive sensibly. Do not go any faster than 30 miles per hour, display a slow-moving vehicle (SVM) emblem visible from the rear, and be sure the tank is secured to the tractor or truck with two separate, independent chains that supplement the hitch pin/clip.
If an accident or spill occurs, immediately call 911 and then the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798 or 651-649-5451.
You can find more safety, storage, and transportation information on the MDA’s website at www.mda.state.mn.us/nh3.
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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
