By Scout Nelson
In response to the increasing threat of extreme weather events, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has launched the Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant, known as the Prepare Grant.
This initiative aims to support Minnesota's livestock and specialty crop producers by offering competitive grants of up to $10,000.
These funds are designed to assist in purchasing and installing essential supplies and equipment to prepare for adverse weather phenomena such as drought, floods, storms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. A matching contribution of 50% is required from grant recipients.
MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen highlighted the urgency of the initiative, citing recent record-breaking floods and droughts that have severely impacted the state's farming community.
"These grants are a proactive measure to strengthen the resilience of our agricultural operations against future extreme weather events," Petersen stated.
Eligibility for the grant extends to a broad range of livestock, including beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, and more, as well as specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops, in line with the USDA's classification.
Funding can be used for various projects such as installing water tanks, pipelines, wagons/trailers, well improvements, irrigation systems, fans, misters, livestock shade systems, and windbreaks. With $500,000 allocated for the program, the MDA anticipates awarding between 50 to 75 grants.
Applications are open until 4 p.m. Central Time on April 23, 2024, with the MDA committed to notifying applicants of their proposal's status by May 31.
For more information on the grant and application process, producers are encouraged to visit the MDA website and access the full request for proposals (RFP), ensuring they seize this opportunity to bolster their defenses against extreme weather.
Photo Credit -minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy, Weather