By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has launched a new grant program to support beginning farmers with the cost of farming tools and infrastructure. In its first year, the program awarded 97 grants worth a total of $856,833 across 45 counties in Minnesota.
The Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant was designed to reduce the cost barriers that often stop new farmers from becoming successful. Demand for the grant was very high—over 1,100 eligible applicants requested $18.6 million in funding. However, limited legislative funding meant only a small portion of applicants received grants.
“Minnesota needs its next generation of farmers to thrive, and reducing the hurdles that prevent beginning farmers from becoming profitable is key to that effort,” said MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey. “Besides securing land, getting the necessary farming equipment and infrastructure is a huge hurdle.”
Each selected applicant received up to $20,000 through a competitive process. Applications were judged by a review committee based on specific criteria outlined in the program guidelines.
The funding has been used for a variety of purposes. These include fencing, specialty crop equipment, walk-behind and row crop tractors, and livestock systems. Some grants covered water access improvements, irrigation systems, and even tools like GPS technology and bee hives. Farmers also used the support for infrastructure projects like building high tunnels, storage units, and walk-in coolers, along with improving barns and feedlots.
To qualify, applicants had to be Minnesota residents, classified as beginning farmers, and actively farming within the state. They also had to be in good standing with the state government.
This program plays an important role in helping young farmers begin their journey with fewer financial burdens and more opportunities to succeed in agriculture.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy