When is the deadline to apply?

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

No

Apply for this grant through the MDA's online application system.  

  • If you’re a new user, you need to create an account first.
  • Once you’re logged in, select “Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant.”
  • Contact us if you need this information in a different format.

Before applying, read the RFP.

How do I fill out the application?

Apply for this grant through the MDA's online application system.  

  • If you’re a new user, you need to create an account first.
  • Once you’re logged in, select “Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant.”
  • Contact us if you need this information in a different format.

Before applying, read the RFP.

No

For questions on the grant program or application, submit them in writing before 11:59 p.m. CT on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, to MDA grant specialist Emily Toner at beginning.farmer.grant.mda@state.mn.us. 

How do I ask questions about this grant?

For questions on the grant program or application, submit them in writing before 11:59 p.m. CT on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, to MDA grant specialist Emily Toner at beginning.farmer.grant.mda@state.mn.us. 

No

A beginning farmer is defined as a person who:

  • Seeks entry or who entered into farming within the last 10 years.
  • Provides the majority of labor and management on a farm.
  • Has some farming experience and knowledge.
What is the definition of "beginning farmer?"

A beginning farmer is defined as a person who:

  • Seeks entry or who entered into farming within the last 10 years.
  • Provides the majority of labor and management on a farm.
  • Has some farming experience and knowledge.
No

To consider what type of request might score higher in the grant review process,  take a look at how applications will be evaluated, on page 7 of the RFP, the "Application Evaluation Profile."

That table gives a breakdown of the scoring categories, so you could weigh your different ideas based on how you think they might be scored there.

I have many ideas for what I would fund with this grant on my farm. Do certain items have a higher chance of being accepted?

To consider what type of request might score higher in the grant review process,  take a look at how applications will be evaluated, on page 7 of the RFP, the "Application Evaluation Profile."

That table gives a breakdown of the scoring categories, so you could weigh your different ideas based on how you think they might be scored there.

No

No. You do not need to own the land where you do the infrastructure improvements. In fact, the grant gives preference to "limited land access" farmers. See full definition of limited land access on page 8 in the grant's request for proposals PDF.