By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced new funding for soil health improvements through its Soil Health Financial Assistance Program Grants. This funding will help individual producers, producer groups, and local governments purchase or retrofit soil health equipment. Applications for this grant will open on August 1, 2025, with a deadline of August 29, 2025.
Grants cover up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment, with awards ranging from $500 to $45,000. The state has allocated $4.36 million for this round of funding, which is made possible through the 2025 Minnesota Legislature and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The MDA continues to monitor potential shifts in federal funding due to policy changes under the Trump Administration.
MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen emphasized the program's value: “The Soil Health Financial Assistance Grant helps offset equipment costs and ensures more farmers are engaged in soil health practices that benefit Minnesota’s water and natural resources.” He added, “I want to thank our state leaders and federal partners for investing in this program, and I encourage producers, producer groups, tribes, and local governments to apply for this opportunity.”
Eligible equipment for funding includes, but is not limited to, no-till drills, air seeders, and strip tillage units. Applicants can find further details and submit their proposals online through the MDA’s website at www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant once the application period begins.
This marks the fourth round of funding for the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program. In the previous round, the MDA awarded $2.79 million to 90 recipients. The third round saw applications surpassing $9.6 million, demonstrating the high demand for soil health improvements in the state. The MDA expects similar interest this year, with awards to be announced by January 1, 2026.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Government & Policy