The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Produce Safety Mini-Grant Program.
Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
State: Minnesota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 03/30/2024
Size of the Grant: Less than $1000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Produce Safety Mini-Grant helps reimburse Minnesota produce farmers for expenses that improve on-farm food safety systems.
Funding Categories
Selection rounds 1-4 will draw from the following categories:
- Farmers that have completed a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule Grower Training and/or a Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training offered by the University of Minnesota Extension. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $6,400.
- Farmers that were confirmed to be fully covered and subject to routine inspection under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule in 2023. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $6,400.
- Farmers that are underserved. Minimum amount awarded via this round $6,400.
- Beginning farmers. Minimum amount awarded via this round $6,400.
Funding Information
- The Produce Safety Program has approximately $33,600.
- This grant provides reimbursement up to $800 per farm.
Eligible Expenses
Expenses related to improvements in on-farm food safety systems including : water testing for generic E. coli and other on-farm food safety improvements. Below is a list of items eligible for reimbursement.
- Water testing for generic E. coli:
- Pre-harvest water: Must be a quantitative testing method for generic E. coli.
- Post-harvest water: Can be presence/absence or quantitative testing method for generic E. coli.
- Other on-farm food safety improvements:
- Plastic or paper liners
- Harvest collection tools
- Market containers
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable hand washing station
- Canvas bags
- Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
- Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
- Supplies to build or purchase portable produce washing station
- Harvest totes
- Carts and pull wagons
- Waxed boxes
Eligibility Criteria
Produce growers who farm in Minnesota, who:
- Grow and sell one or more of the following crops: Leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, tomatoes.
- Have completed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Program Grower Questionnaire at least once between 2021-2024.
- Are in good standing and not debarred or suspended to receive state or federal funds.
For more information, visit MDA.