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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
No, the grant funds may only be used for future purchases that are agreed upon in a grant contract with the MDA, and the purchase must occur after the contract is signed by you and MDA.
If you propose a purchase or infrastructure investment in your application, do not make those investments before hearing back about the application result. The MDA is not able to reimburse you for costs that occur before a grant contract with us is signed (estimated to be no sooner than January 2025).
No, the grant funds may only be used for future purchases that are agreed upon in a grant contract with the MDA, and the purchase must occur after the contract is signed by you and MDA.
If you propose a purchase or infrastructure investment in your application, do not make those investments before hearing back about the application result. The MDA is not able to reimburse you for costs that occur before a grant contract with us is signed (estimated to be no sooner than January 2025).
Installing drainage tile is an infrastructure investment and, as long as the tile is laid for the purpose of agricultural production, it would be eligible.
The grant applicant would need to meet the other eligibility requirements which include being a beginning farmer based in Minnesota.
