ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently accepting applications for its Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant, a program designed to alleviate financial pressures on new agricultural operations and bolster the state’s farming sector. Applications are being accepted until , at 4:00 PM CST.
The grant, established by the Minnesota Legislature, provides financial assistance to farmers in their initial decade of operation, enabling them to acquire essential equipment and invest in crucial on-farm infrastructure. Eligible projects encompass a wide range of needs, from the purchase of agriculture-specific equipment for crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and product storage, to investments in infrastructure such as water access, irrigation systems, fencing, electrical systems, walk-in coolers, livestock handling facilities, grain storage solutions, and production buildings like barns and greenhouses.
The MDA anticipates awarding approximately $700,000 in total funding through a competitive review process. Individual grants will range from $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000. A notable aspect of the program is its tiered reimbursement structure. Proposals requesting up to $2,000 require no matching funds, with 100% of costs eligible for reimbursement. For requests exceeding $2,000, grantees can be reimbursed up to 75% of their expenses, up to the $10,000 maximum. Here’s a reimbursement grant, requiring applicants to cover the full project cost upfront and subsequently submit documentation for eligible expenses after the grant contract is finalized.
To qualify as a “beginning” farmer, applicants must have commenced farming within the last ten years and be a principal operator on a farm, demonstrating existing farming experience and knowledge. Priority will be given to applicants with recent farm sales under $100,000 and those facing limited access to land, as defined by state statute. This prioritization reflects a commitment to supporting those who may face the most significant barriers to entry in the agricultural sector.
The program’s importance is underscored by the increasing demand it has experienced. MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey noted that the grant program is “one of the most in-demand” within the department’s portfolio. The strong interest we saw last year highlights how important access to affordable equipment and infrastructure is for beginning farmers. Even small grants can make a meaningful difference as new farmers work to overcome early barriers and establish their operations,
Bailey stated.
The launch of this grant program comes as Minnesota, like many agricultural states, faces demographic shifts in its farming population. According to data cited in previous reporting, roughly a quarter of Minnesota’s farmers are considered “beginning farmers.” The MDA defines this group as individuals with less than ten years of farming experience. Supporting this cohort is seen as vital for the long-term health and sustainability of the state’s agricultural industry.
The grant program is not merely about providing financial assistance; it’s about fostering a new generation of farmers and ensuring the continued viability of Minnesota’s agricultural landscape. The availability of affordable equipment and infrastructure is often cited as a critical factor in the success or failure of new farming ventures. By addressing this need, the MDA aims to reduce the financial hurdles faced by beginning farmers and empower them to establish thriving businesses.
Governor Tim Walz has publicly emphasized the importance of supporting the state’s agricultural sector. While details of his specific comments regarding this particular grant were not immediately available, previous statements have highlighted his administration’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the agricultural industry and providing necessary resources to new farmers.
An online information session is scheduled for , at 11:00 AM CST via Zoom, offering prospective applicants an opportunity to learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process. Registration for the session is available online.
Detailed grant eligibility requirements, application instructions, and registration information for the information session can be found on the MDA’s Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant webpage. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the materials carefully before submitting their applications.
Media Contact: Nikki Warner, MDA Communications, 651-238-7909, Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us
