2025 Mini-Grant for Safer Farming

By Scout Nelson

The 2025 Produce Safety Mini-Grant is now accepting applications to help farmers improve on-farm food safety practices. This grant reimburses eligible farmers for certain expenses related to food safety improvements.

Grant Details

The program has a total of $42,400 available through funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant. Each farm can receive up to $800, and no matching funds are required. However, federal funding availability may be subject to changes due to policy updates.

Who Can Apply?

Farmers in Minnesota who meet the following criteria are eligible:

• Grew and sold qualifying crops such as leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, herbs, mushrooms, tomatoes, and others in 2024.
• Completed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Produce Safety Program Grower Questionnaire or verified their farm's compliance between 2022 and 2025.
• Are in good standing and not restricted from receiving state or federal funds.

Eligible Expenses

Reimbursements cover expenses that enhance food safety on farms. These include:

• Water testing for generic E. coli
• Portable handwashing and produce washing stations (with prior approval)
• Harvest totes and market containers
• Sanitizers for wash water and food contact surfaces
• Carts, pull wagons, and waxed boxes

Selection Process

Grants will be awarded through a lottery system in four selection rounds:

• Farmers who completed FSMA Produce Safety Rule or GAPs training.
• Farmers fully covered and inspected under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule in 2024.
• Beginning farmers.
• All remaining eligible applicants.

Application Process

Applications are due by March 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (CT). They can be submitted online, via email, or by mail. Supporting documents, such as training certificates, may be required.

Award notifications will be sent in May 2025, and reimbursements must be claimed by June 30, 2025.

For more information, contact the MDA Produce Safety Program at ProduceSafety.MDA@state.mn.us or call 651-539-3648 before March 14.

Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska