Reimbursement possible for water testing, harvest supplies, and other expenses
Minnesota produce farmers who improve on-farm food safety systems may be eligible to reimburse their expenses through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) 2023 Produce Safety Mini-Grant, which is now accepting applications.
The Produce Safety Mini-Grant will distribute a total of approximately $26,400. Awardees will receive up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required.
Applicants must be a Minnesota produce farmer who sells one or more of the following crops to be eligible: leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, or tomatoes.
Growers may be reimbursed for past expenses occurring Jan. 1, 2022-March 25, 2023, and future expenses taking place March 26-July 14, 2023.
Examples of eligible expenses include:
• Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station.
• Harvest totes or collection tools.
• Water testing for generic coli.
• Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan.
• Waxed boxes and market containers.
Additional information and the online application are available on the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/minigrant.
Farmers may contact the MDA Produce Safety Program at (651) 539-3648 to request a paper copy. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023.