By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will open applications on Aug. 3 for the fifth round of its Soil Health Financial Assistance Program Grants. The program helps farmers and agricultural partners purchase or modify equipment that supports soil health and conservation practices.
This funding round offers up to 50% cost-share assistance, with grants ranging from $500 to $45,000. A total of $5 million is available statewide through funding from the Minnesota Legislature and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Eligible equipment includes new or used no-till drills, air seeders, strip-tillage units, and other tools that promote soil-building practices. The program is designed to help producers adopt sustainable farming methods while reducing equipment costs.
Applications and proposal materials will be available on the MDA website beginning Aug. 3. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 31, and award recipients are expected to be announced by Jan. 1, 2027.
Since launching in fiscal year 2023, the program has awarded more than $10.4 million through 353 grants. The funding has supported soil health improvements on nearly 525,000 acres annually across Minnesota.
Demand for the program remains strong, with more than 1,100 applications requesting over $33 million in funding since its inception. The continued interest reflects growing adoption of soil health practices and investments in long-term agricultural sustainability.
Application link will be available at www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant.
Photo Credit: minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, General, Sustainable Agriculture