Applications open for Produce Safety Mini-Grant (US)

Funding Information

• The Produce Safety Program has approximately $42,400 to distribute via this mini-grant. The grant provides reimbursement up to $800 per farm. No matching funds from the applicant are required.
• Selection rounds 1-3 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: $9,600.
  • Farmers that were confirmed to be fully covered and subject to routine inspection under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule in 2024. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $9,600.
  • Beginning farmers. Minimum amount awarded via this round $9,600.
• The final round 4 drawing will draw from all remaining eligible applicants and award a minimum amount of $8,000. Any funds unawarded during the first 3 rounds will roll into the final drawing for all eligible applicants.

Eligible Expenses

• Expenses must be related to improvements in on-farm food safety systems and fall within one of the below categories. Expenses must occur on/after November 1, 2023 or planned to take place before June 30, 2025.
  • 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.
  • Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
    • Building requirement: Building plans must be submitted and approved prior to purchase to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Supplies to build or purchase a portable produce washing station
    • Building requirement: Building plans must be submitted and approved prior to purchase to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Harvest totes
  • Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
  • Carts and pull wagons
  • Market containers
  • Waxed boxes

Eligibility Criteria

• Produce growers who farm in Minnesota, who:
  • Grew and sold one or more of the following crops in 2024: 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 2022-2025.
  • Are in good standing and not debarred or suspended to receive state or federal funds.

Selection Criteria

• The Produce Safety Mini-Grant will be managed through a lottery selection process. The 2025 lottery will consist of 4 rounds of randomized selection. Selection rounds 1-3 will each focus on drawing applicants who qualify under one of the below funding categories.
• Applicants may qualify under multiple funding categories and be entered in multiple selection rounds. However, applicants are only eligible to receive one award maximum. Applicants who are not awarded in earlier rounds will progress to the next selection round(s) they are eligible for. The 4th and final round will draw from all remaining eligible applicants.
• Every effort will be made to ensure accuracy of the random selection process. Eligibility and draw outcomes are the final decision of the MDA.

Application Requirements

• Answer all the questions that have an asterisk symbol indicating they are required. Note that answering additional questions may help you be considered in additional drawing rounds.
• If you have attended an applicable produce safety training and want to receive consideration for being drawn in that category you must include:
  • A certificate of attendance for a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule Grower Training or a Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training offered by the University of Minnesota Extension or Cornell University
• The MDA reserves the right to waive minor irregularities or request additional information to further clarify or validate application information, provided the application, as submitted, substantially complies with the requirements of this Request for Proposals. There is, however, no guarantee the MDA will look for information or clarification outside of the submitted application.

For more information, visit Minnesota Department of Agriculture.