- Applications will be accepted until March 23, 2024 11:59 pm CST
- Mailed applications must be post-marked by March 23 to be eligible.
- Questions about the grant must be submitted by March 15 at 4:00 pm CST.
- Randomized selection process will occur in April 2024
- Award notices will be sent May 2024
- Awardees must registered as a vendor within SWIFT and submit proof of purchase no later than August 2, 2024.
The lottery selection process will consist of 5 rounds of randomized selection. Selection rounds 1-4 will each focus on drawing applicants who qualify under one of the defined 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 5th and final round will draw from all remaining eligible applicants.
The lottery selection process will consist of 5 rounds of randomized selection. Selection rounds 1-4 will each focus on drawing applicants who qualify under one of the defined 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 5th and final round will draw from all remaining eligible applicants.
Selection rounds 1-4 will draw from the following funding categories:
- Farmers that have completed a 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 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.
Within each of the above categories and initial four drawing rounds, funding will be prioritized for farmers that have completed the Grower Questionnaire at least once between 2021-2024.
Selection rounds 1-4 will draw from the following funding categories:
- Farmers that have completed a 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 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.
Within each of the above categories and initial four drawing rounds, funding will be prioritized for farmers that have completed the Grower Questionnaire at least once between 2021-2024.
An incomplete mini-grant application will be considered "ineligible" for consideration and sent a denial letter. The applicant will have a grace period to submit missing information and change their status to "eligible".
If the applicant does not submit the necessary information, and is deemed "ineligible", they will not be included in the randomized selection process.
An incomplete mini-grant application will be considered "ineligible" for consideration and sent a denial letter. The applicant will have a grace period to submit missing information and change their status to "eligible".
If the applicant does not submit the necessary information, and is deemed "ineligible", they will not be included in the randomized selection process.
A notarized affidavit may be submitted in the event you do not have documentation reflecting when the item(s) were purchased, what item(s) were purchased, or the amount paid. Templates or examples of affidavits can be found online. The affidavit must include:
- the date of purchase,
- the name of where the purchase was made,
- detail of what was purchased (water testing must include method tested for),
- and amount paid.
Please note, a notarized affidavit is only needed if you do not have proof of purchase. Any receipts, invoices, etc. do not need to be notarized.
A notarized affidavit may be submitted in the event you do not have documentation reflecting when the item(s) were purchased, what item(s) were purchased, or the amount paid. Templates or examples of affidavits can be found online. The affidavit must include:
- the date of purchase,
- the name of where the purchase was made,
- detail of what was purchased (water testing must include method tested for),
- and amount paid.
Please note, a notarized affidavit is only needed if you do not have proof of purchase. Any receipts, invoices, etc. do not need to be notarized.
