By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has introduced the Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant, also known as the Prepare Grant, aimed at bolstering the state's agricultural operations against the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
This initiative reflects the state's proactive stance on climate-related challenges, providing financial assistance to eligible producers to better prepare their farms and ranches.
The Prepare Grant will offer up to $10,000 to livestock and specialty crop producers in Minnesota to purchase and install necessary supplies and equipment. This could include water tanks, irrigation systems, shade solutions for livestock, and windbreaks among other enhancements. To qualify, applicants must provide a 50% match, demonstrating their commitment to improving their operations' resilience.
MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “Minnesota agriculture needs to prepare for more climate extremes in the future. This will help farmers and ranchers increase the resiliency of their operations and reduce some of the stress and anxiety around the weather.”
Eligible applicants include a wide range of agricultural producers from aquaculture and beekeeping to cattle, swine, and specialty crop growers. The definition of specialty crops for this program aligns with the USDA’s designation, which includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and floriculture.
The grant program, supported by the Agricultural Growth and Research Initiative (AGRI) Program, has allocated a total of $500,000 for this initiative. The MDA will distribute these funds through a competitive review process, with an expectation to award between 50 and 75 grants.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications by 4 p.m. Central Time on February 12, 2025. The MDA plans to notify all applicants of their proposal status by March 26, 2025.
Full details and the request for proposals are available on the MDA website, ensuring all prospective applicants have access to the necessary information to participate in this critical funding opportunity.
This program is a significant step towards enhancing Minnesota's agricultural sustainability and resilience in the face of challenging weather conditions.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy, Weather