The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites applications for Soil Health Financial Assistance Grants. Individual producers, producer organizations, and local governments are all qualified to receive up to 50% of the cost of new or retrofitted soil health equipment. The grant awards range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $50,000, and the 2023 Legislature has allocated $2.375 million for this round of grants.
MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen emphasized the importance of good soil health for water quality and natural resources in Minnesota. He acknowledged financial challenges farmers face in implementing practices, introducing Soil Health Financial Assistance Grants to offset these costs.
Eligible equipment includes, but is not limited to, no-till drills, air seeders, retrofit projects for no-till planting, and related parts and materials for existing equipment.
Interested parties can find the Request for Proposals and application link on the MDA website at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant. The application deadline is September 15, 2023, and the awards will be announced by January 1, 2024.
Soil Health Financial Assistance Grants are fully implemented, awarding $475,000 to 16 individuals and organizations across 15 counties. Over 230 applications received over $6.5 million in funding requests, exceeding available funding.
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Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Government & Policy