The Produce Safety Mini-Grant helps reimburse Minnesota produce farmers for expenses that improve on-farm food safety systems.
Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
State: Minnesota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 03/22/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Funding Categories
- Selection rounds 1-3 will draw from the following categories:
- Farmers that have completed a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule Grower Training and/or a Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training offered by the University of Minnesota Extension. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $9,600.
- Farmers that were confirmed to be fully covered and subject to routine inspection under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule in 2024. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $9,600.
- Beginning farmers. Minimum amount awarded via this round $9,600.
- The final round 4 drawing will draw from all remaining eligible applicants and award a minimum amount of $8,000. Any funds unawarded during the first 3 rounds will roll into the final drawing for all eligible applicants.
Funding Information
- The Produce Safety Program has approximately $42,400 to distribute via this mini-grant.
- This grant provides reimbursement up to $800 per farm. No matching funds from the applicant are required.
What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?
Expenses must be related to improvements in on-farm food safety systems and fall within one of the below categories. Expenses must occur on/after November 1, 2023 or planned to take place before June 30, 2025.
- Water testing for generic E. coli
- Pre-harvest water: must be a quantitative testing method for generic E. coli. Post harvest-water: can be presence/absence or quantitative testing method for generic E. coli.
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
- Building requirement: Building plans must be submitted and approved prior to purchase to be eligible for reimbursement.
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable produce washing station
- Building requirement: Building plans must be submitted and approved prior to purchase to be eligible for reimbursement.
- Harvest totes
- Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
- Carts and pull wagons
- Market containers
- Waxed boxes.
For more information, visit MDA.
