MDA Offers Mini-Grant for Produce Growers

Reimbursement possible for water testing, harvest supplies, and other expenses

St. Paul, MN: Minnesota produce farmers who improve on-farm food safety systems may be eligible to reimburse their expenses through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture?s (MDA) 2023 Produce Safety Mini-Grant, which is now accepting applications.

The Produce Safety Mini-Grant will distribute a total of approximately $26,400. Awardees will receive up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required.

Applicants must be a Minnesota produce farmer that sells one or more of the following crops to be eligible: leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, or tomatoes.

Growers may be reimbursed for past expenses occurring January 1, 2022 ? March 25, 2023, and future expenses taking place March 26, 2023 ? July 14, 2023.

Examples of eligible expenses include:

• Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
• Harvest totes or collection tools
• Water testing for generic coli
• Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
• Waxed boxes and market containers

Additional information and the online application are available on the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/minigrant.

Farmers can contact the MDA Produce Safety Program at 651-539-3648 to request a paper copy. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on March 25, 2023.

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