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: (03/21/2026
Size of the Grant: Less than $1000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Funding Categories
- Selection rounds 1-3 will draw from the following categories:
- Farmers that have completed a FSMA Produce Safety Rule Grower Training and/or a Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training offered by the University of Minnesota Extension or Cornell University. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $7,200.
- Farmers that were confirmed to be fully covered and subject to routine inspection under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule in 2025. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $7,200.
- Beginning farmers. Minimum amount awarded via this round $7,200.
- The final round 4 drawing will draw from all remaining eligible applicants and award a minimum amount of $7,200. 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 $30,400.
- This grant provides reimbursement up to $800 per farm.
Eligible Expense
Eligible expense categories include:
- Harvest totes
- Waxed boxes
- Market containers
- Carts and pull wagons
- Water testing for generic E. coli
- Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable produce washing station.
Eligibility Criteria
Produce growers who farm in Minnesota, who:
- Grew and sold one or more of the following crops in 2025: Leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, tomatoes.
- Have completed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule Grower Questionnaire, or otherwise verified their farm’s Produce Safety Rule Status with the MDA, at least once between 2023-2026.
- Are in good standing and not debarred or suspended to receive state or federal funds.
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, 2026.
- 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.
