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When government has information recorded in any form (paper, hard drive, voicemail, vi
When government has information recorded in any form (paper, hard drive, voicemail, vi
Biosolids from wastewater treatment facilities that use non-native Phragmites australis ssp. australis m
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has received a $100,000 grant from the McKnight Foundation to help farmers develop climate-smart farming practices that can mitigate climate change, build farm resiliency, and may provide them with a new income stream. The money will be used for the new Climate Smart Farms Project, part of the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).
“Because of our changing climate, farmers are experiencing more frequent bouts of drought, heavier rain events, extreme temperature swings, and more invasive pests and plants,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Through this new Climate Smart Farms Project and the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program, farmers can implement proven practices that build soil health, protect water resources, and increase farm profitability. Farmers are at the frontlines of climate change impact and can play a pivotal role in combating those impacts. We’re grateful to McKnight Foundation for this grant.”
The Climate Smart Farms Project supports farmers who are currently enrolled in MAWQCP and would like to seek, or already have, a Climate Smart Endorsement for their operation. They can receive a minimum of $1,000 a year for up to five years to assess and apply climate-focused conservation practices to their operation. Examples of practices include managing nitrogen fertilizer and manure to minimize greenhouse gas emissions or minimizing tillage, grazing livestock, and planting perennial crops to sequester carbon.
Options to enroll in new carbon market programs have been multiplying in the agricultural community. In response, the MDA created the Climate Smart Farms Project, centering farmers’ needs and their leadership on science-based farming practices. The unique project provides growers one-to-one technical assistance to assess their operations and develop climate-smart management options that will best align with private market tools or voluntary public programs. The annual financial assistance serves as a bridge payment for growers while they develop their climate-smart systems and learn how to scale climate-smart practices.
“Farmers in Minnesota are digging in and taking the lead on agricultural climate solutions,” said Tenzin Dolkar, McKnight Foundation Midwest Climate & Energy Program Officer. “The Climate Smart Farms Project will allow more farmers to adopt and be recognized for proven practices that benefit their operation, the environment, and the climate.”
The MAWQCP has a proven track record of putting farmers in touch with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate any risks their farm poses to water quality. Producers going through the certification process have priority access to financial assistance. After being certified, each farm is deemed in compliance with new water quality laws and regulations for 10 years.
The new Climate Smart Endorsement is now one of five endorsements available to MAWQCP producers. The other four certifications are soil health, integrated pest management, wildlife, and irrigation. These endorsements celebrate those who are going above and beyond to implement conservation efforts on their land.
There are now more than 1,225 producers and 855,000 acres enrolled in MAWQCP. Governor Tim Walz has announced a goal of enrolling one million acres by the end of 2022.
To date, Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality certified farms have added over 2,460 new conservation practices. Those new practices have kept over 42,000 tons of sediment out of Minnesota rivers while saving approximately 124,000 tons of soil and 54,000 pounds of phosphorous on farms each year. The conservation practices have also reduced nitrogen loss up to 49% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 47,000 metric tons per year.
Farmers and landowners interested in the Climate Smart Farms Project or becoming water quality certified can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or visit MyLandMyLegacy.com.
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of ten years. The program is available to farmers and landowners statewide.
The McKnight Foundation Midwest Climate and Energy Program focuses bold climate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, at scale, as quickly as possible in the Midwest. McKnight’s working lands strategy centers on farmers as the leaders of climate solutions in creating climate-resilient and just food systems.
###
Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
Minnesota school districts aiming to increase their purchase of fresh, locally grown, nutritious foods in school meal programs can apply for one of two grant opportunities through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Applications are also being accepted for equipment purchases that support Farm to School initiatives.
Through the MDA’s Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), school districts across Minnesota will receive nearly $3.5 million for purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised foods used in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. School districts may apply for one of the following two USDA-funded grants:
“We’re excited that this additional funding will let us strengthen our already robust Farm to School partnerships with Minnesota schools,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “These grants will help to strengthen our state’s local and regional markets, support small and emerging farmers, and ensure our kids are eating the freshest, most nutritious food our state can offer.”
This year, applicants for both the First Bite and Full Tray grants may also apply for up to $35,000 for equipment purchases. Nearly $750,000 is available for equipment grants and will be supported through the MDA’s Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) program. School districts must match the equipment portion of their grant on a 1:1 basis. Equipment grants are only available to school districts that apply for a First Bite of Full Tray grant.
The First Bite grant is intended to be an intentional learning process for the applicant. Recipients will not be eligible for the First Bite grant again. School districts may apply for a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000. There is no match required.
Full Tray grants will be awarded to school districts that have experience purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised products but want to expand their Farm to School programs. Applicants may apply for up to $100,000 based on the district size. There is no match required.
All Farm to School grant applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022.
Funding for Farm to School local food grants is made available through the USDA Local Foods for Schools Cooperative Agreement with support from the Cargill Foundation. Funding for Farm to School equipment grants is made available through the AGRI program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout the state of Minnesota. The AGRI Program exists to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.
###
Media Contact
Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6629
Larry.Schumacher@state.mn.us
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently awarded funding to schools across Minnesota for two new grants to increase the amount of healthy local foods in school meals through its Farm to School programs.
School districts across Minnesota received a total of $294,907 for purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised foods to be used in school meal programs. This grant funding will leverage an additional $239,007 in purchases of Minnesota grown- and raised-foods, for nearly $534,000 in total investment.
“Building new markets that directly benefit farmers and children is at the heart of what we aim to do here at MDA,” Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “We’re thrilled to see schools across the state participate in these new grant programs, and we look forward to their success and building on this initial investment.”
Recipient school districts were awarded one of two grants:
Funding for this program is made available through the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout the state of Minnesota. The AGRI Program exists to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.
The grant recipients may receive technical assistance to successfully implement their farm to school procurement activities from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy thanks to funding from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant. University of Minnesota Extension’s Center of Community Vitality will evaluate the economic impact of this investment.
School | Amount |
---|---|
All Saints Catholic Schools | $3,400 |
Aurora Waakaone Community of Learners | $5,000 |
ISD 0877 Buffalo Public Schools | $5,000 |
Crosslake Community School | $5,000 |
ISD 0330 Heron Lake-Okabena Public Schools | $5,000 |
Immanuel Lutheran School | $5,000 |
ISD 0740 Melrose Public Schools | $5,000 |
New Ulm Area Catholic Schools | $5,000 |
ISD 0553 New York Mills Public Schools | $5,000 |
St Mary’s School Breckenridge | $2,500 |
ISD 0487 Upsala Public Schools | $5,000 |
Winona Area Public Schools | $5,000 |
Full Tray
School | Amount |
---|---|
ISD 0206 Alexandria Public Schools | $11,201 |
ISD 0271 Bloomington Public Schools | $35,000 |
ISD 0466 Dassel Cokato Public Schools | $8,500 |
ISD 0272 Eden Prairie Public Schools | $5,000 |
ISD 0270 Hopkins Public Schools | $10,837 |
ISD 0423 Hutchinson Public Schools | $17,500 |
ISD 0465 Litchfield Public Schools | $9,000 |
ISD 2711 Mesabi East Schools | $9,841 |
ISD 0001 Minneapolis Public Schools | $35,000 |
ISD 0659 Northfield Public Schools | $5,000 |
ISD 0719 Prior Lake Public Schools | $18,235 |
Riverway Learning Community | $2,568 |
ISD 0281 Robbinsdale Public Schools | $35,000 |
ISD 0623 Roseville Public Schools | $27,200 |
ISD 0282 St. Anthony New Brighton Public Schools | $9,125 |
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Media Contact
Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6629
Larry.Schumacher@state.mn.us
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently awarded funding to schools across Minnesota for two new grants to increase the amount of healthy local foods in school meals through its Farm to School programs.
Forty-six school districts across Minnesota received a total of $741,619 for purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised foods to be used in school meal programs. This grant funding will leverage an additional $624,619 in purchases of Minnesota grown- and raised-foods, for nearly $1,366,239 in total investment.
“We’ve expanded our investment in new markets that directly benefit both farmers and children through our Farm to School programs,” MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey said. “That means more schools participating for the first time, and longtime participants expanding their offering of healthy, nutritious, local foods for students.”
Recipient school districts were awarded one of two grants:
Funding for this program is made available through the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout the state of Minnesota. The AGRI Program exists to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.
The grant recipients may receive technical assistance to successfully implement their farm to school procurement activities from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy thanks to funding from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant.
School/School District |
County |
First Bite Award |
Equipment Award |
Total Award |
Alden Conger Public School |
Freeborn |
$3,000.00 |
- |
$3,000.00 |
Butterfield-Odin School District |
Watonwan |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
Caledonia Area Public Schools |
Houston |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
Cannon Falls Area Schools |
Goodhue |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
Delano Public Schools |
Wright |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
DeLaSalle High School |
Hennepin |
$5,000.00 |
$4,347.00 |
$9,347.00 |
First Lutheran School |
McLeod |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
Glacial Hills Elementary |
Pope |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
Glenville-Emmons Public Schools |
Freeborn |
$2,500.00 |
- |
$2,500.00 |
Hennepin Schools |
Hennepin |
$5,000.00 |
$800.00 |
$5,800.00 |
Holy Trinity Catholic School |
Dakota |
$5,000.00 |
$9,926.00 |
$14,926.00 |
MN State Academies |
Rice |
$5,000.00 |
$1,727.50 |
$6,727.50 |
New Millennium Academy |
Hennepin |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center |
Beltrami |
$2,500.00 |
- |
$2,500.00 |
NRHEG Public Schools |
Waseca |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
Pine City Public Schools |
Pine |
$4,000.00 |
$13,048.18 |
$17,048.18 |
Plymouth Christian Youth Center |
Hennepin |
$5,000.00 |
$1,330.00 |
$6,330.00 |
Russell Tyler Ruthton (RTR) Public Schools |
Lincoln |
$5,000.00 |
$13,188.24 |
$18,188.24 |
Sacred Heart School |
Stearns |
$2,500.00 |
- |
$2,500.00 |
St. Bernard's Catholic School |
Pennington |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
St. Croix Prep Academy |
Washington |
$5,000.00 |
$1,250.00 |
$6,250.00 |
St. Peter's Catholic School |
Yellow Medicine |
$2,500.00 |
- |
$2,500.00 |
The Journey School |
Ramsey |
$5,000.00 |
$10,775.20 |
$15,775.20 |
Wabasha-Kellogg Public School |
Wabasha |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
White Bear Lake Area Schools |
Ramsey |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
Windom Area Schools |
Cottonwood |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
School/School District |
County |
Full Tray Award |
Equipment Award |
Total Award |
Becker Public Schools |
Sherburne |
$5,000.00 |
$9,344.58 |
$14,344.58 |
Columbia Heights Public Schools |
Anoka |
$12,524.90 |
$25,000.00 |
$37,524.90 |
Dassel-Cokato Independent Schools |
Wright |
$35,000.00 |
$13,219.00 |
$48,219.00 |
Dilworth Glyndon Felton Public Schools |
Clay |
$6,250.00 |
- |
$6,250.00 |
Foley Public Schools |
Benton |
$20,357.50 |
$25,000.00 |
$45,357.50 |
Fond du Lac Reservation |
Carlton |
$4,470.00 |
$10,970.00 |
$15,440.00 |
Holdingford Public Schools |
Stearns |
$10,510.50 |
- |
$10,510.50 |
Hutchinson Public Schools |
McLeod |
$35,000.00 |
$25,000.00 |
$60,000.00 |
Immanuel Lutheran School |
Sibley |
$2,500.00 |
- |
$2,500.00 |
Lake City Public Schools |
Goodhue/Wabasha |
$10,483.00 |
- |
$10,483.00 |
Litchfield Independent Schools |
Meeker |
$28,733.00 |
$25,000.00 |
$53,733.00 |
Mesabi East Schools |
St. Louis |
$14,075.75 |
$17,964.36 |
$32,040.11 |
New Prague Area Schools |
Le Sueur/Scott |
$7,250.00 |
$19,500.00 |
$26,750.00 |
New Ulm Area Catholic Schools |
Brown |
$3,000.00 |
$1,630.00 |
$4,630.00 |
Northfield Public Schools |
Rice |
$5,000.00 |
- |
$5,000.00 |
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools |
Scott |
$27,000.00 |
$14,500.00 |
$41,500.00 |
Riverway Learning Community |
Winona |
$2,566.26 |
$162.40 |
$2,728.66 |
Robbinsdale Area Schools |
Hennepin |
$35,000.00 |
$18,000.00 |
$53,000.00 |
Roseville Area Schools |
Ramsey |
$35,000.00 |
$25,000.00 |
$60,000.00 |
St. Anthony-New Brighton Area Schools |
Ramsey |
$15,716.11 |
$22,500.00 |
$38,216.11 |
###
Media Contact
Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6629
Larry.Schumacher@state.mn.us
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