To help Minnesota farmers and ranchers protect livestock from disease and other risks, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering a new grant opportunity to help eligible producers buy and install supplies or equipment that will help prevent disease outbreaks and protect animals not currently covered by existing depredation programs.
The Protecting Livestock Grant Program, also referred to as the Protect Grant, offers one-time competitive grants of up to $10,000 and requires a 50% match. While all types of livestock operations are eligible to apply, priority consideration will be given to those who produce:
- Cervids (farmed elk and deer): Due to new fencing requirements passed during the 2023 legislative session.
- Poultry and ratites (ostrich, emu): Due to the ongoing threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since 2022, the most recent outbreak has affected at least 150 poultry operations and more than 6 million birds in Minnesota.
“With risks like chronic wasting disease and HPAI continuing to threaten Minnesota livestock, it’s important for farmers and ranchers to take proactive efforts to protect their animals,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “I encourage all livestock producers to apply for these grant funds to fortify their operations.”
For the purpose of this program, “livestock” includes beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (flightless birds including emu), llamas, and honeybees.
Eligible projects include fencing, electronic animal ID systems, air filtration, exclusion systems, Danish entry systems, truck washes, and other strategies to prevent and mitigate disease and other risks.
A total of $500,000 is available, and the MDA expects to award 50-75 grants. Applications are currently being accepted through March 7, 2024. Applicants will be notified as soon as possible, but no later than April 15, about whether their proposal was funded.
The Protecting Livestock Grant Program is funded through the Agricultural Growth and Research Initiative (AGRI) Program, which provides grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout the state of Minnesota. The AGRI Program exists to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.
Full grant details and the request for proposals (RFP) can be found on the MDA website.
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Minnesota Pavilion made its return to Las Vegas for the 2024 Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show, which took place January 21 through 23. Four local food and beverage businesses exhibited as part of the agency’s space, bringing a taste of Minnesota to Nevada.
The MDA’s Minnesota Pavilion program supports Minnesota food and beverage companies in attending national trade shows, offering discounted booth space as well as promotional and logistical support surrounding show attendance. The program aims to encourage food manufacturing in Minnesota, increase the use of local agricultural ingredients, create and protect jobs, and promote economic development in Minnesota’s agriculture and food sectors.
The following brands participated in the Minnesota Pavilion at 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show:
- Janet’s Finest Compotes: Berry and jalapeno compotes with a sweet and spicy kick.
- Maazah Chutney: Flavor-packed Middle Eastern sauces.
- Mixly Cocktail Co.: Premium mocktail and cocktail mixers.
- Plucky Pickle Dip: Tangy and crunchy snackable dips.
“The Fancy Food Show is a great hub for networking and discovering new trends. We went looking to connect with our major retail partners as well as new regional retailers,” says Yasameen Sajady, co-founder and CEO of Maazah. “This year’s show was phenomenal! Great retailers, media, and service providers."
“It is so exciting to see these Minnesota companies putting their best foot forward at the Winter Fancy Food Show to make an impression with nation-wide retailers and distributors in the specialty food category,” said Jennifer Alexander, the MDA’s food business development administrator. “Attending trade shows like this provides unique opportunities for new connections and partnerships, which is not only a big win for the companies but for Minnesota as well."
The Winter Fancy Food Show, organized by the Specialty Food Association, is “where specialty food makers go to exhibit their newest and best products and where buyers go to find their next bestsellers.” With thousands of specialty food artisans, entrepreneurs, distributors, retailers, purveyors, and importers under one roof, the show offers three days of sampling, networking, and education designed to help grow specialty food businesses.
Minnesota Pavilion is offered as part of Make it Minnesota, the MDA’s food and beverage business development program. Visit the Make it Minnesota web page for more details about available business support programs as well as future Pavilion opportunities.
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
