MDA Offers Produce Safety Mini-Grant for Growers
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Produce Safety Mini-Grant. This funding opportunity helps reimburse produce growers for expenses that improve on-farm food safety systems.
The MDA anticipates awarding approximately $30,400. Awardees will receive reimbursement of up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required.
To be eligible, applicants must farm in Minnesota and have grown and sold one or more of the following crops in 2025: leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, or tomatoes. In addition, applicants must have completed the MDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule Grower Questionnaire or otherwise verified their farm’s Produce Safety Rule status with the MDA between 2023-2026.
Expenses must occur on or after November 1, 2023 or be planned to take place before June 30, 2026. Eligible expense categories include:
- Harvest totes
- Waxed boxes
- Market containers
- Carts and pull wagons
- Water testing for generic E. coli
- Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
- Supplies to build or purchase a portable produce washing station
Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on March 21, 2026.
Additional information and the online application are available Additional information and the online application are available on the Produce Safety Mini-Grant page of the MDA website. Farmers can contact the MDA Produce Safety Program at 651-539-3648 to request a paper copy.
Funding for the Produce Safety Mini-Grant was made possible by a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
Note: This is a federally funded program. Publishing the request for proposals does not commit the state to awarding any federal funds.
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Media Contact
Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6629
Larry.Schumacher@state.mn.us
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