MDA Awards Grants to 91 Beginning Farmers in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded $723,200 through the second round of the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant program. The funding will help 91 beginning farmers in 51 Minnesota counties purchase equipment and infrastructure that is crucial to the future of their farm businesses.
The grant supports Minnesota farmers in their first 10 years of farming. Examples of funded projects include:
- Cattle handling systems
- Perimeter fencing for livestock and crops
- Livestock building repairs and upgrades
- Tractors, walk-behind tractors, and strip tillers
- Grain handling and storage equipment
- Irrigation systems for specialty crops
- Walk-in coolers and cold storage units
- High tunnels, low tunnels, and greenhouses
- Drills, seeders, and other planting and transplanting equipment
“The demand for this program makes it clear that Minnesota has no shortage of people who want to farm, but the cost of equipment and infrastructure can hold a promising operation back,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “These grants help farmers make practical investments that strengthen their operations and position them for long-term success.”
Demand for the program continues to exceed available funding. The MDA received 520 eligible applications requesting a total of $4.6 million for this round of the grant program. Applications were evaluated through a competitive review process. Grant awards range from $1,000 up to $10,000, with awards of more than $2,000 requiring matching funds. For more information, including descriptions of funded projects, please visit the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant webpage.
The Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by the MDA’s Emerging Farmers Office (EFO). Established under the Walz-Flanagan administration in 2021, the EFO has since awarded nearly $1.9 million through grant programs supporting beginning farmers, urban farmers, and community development financial institutions.
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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us
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