Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)

Read the full Request for Proposals and apply online following these instructions.

If you need the application in an alternative format, contact the program administrator.

Emily Mehr

The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program encourages urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development within city limits of urban or peri-urban areas.


Grants help organizations and communities obtain the materials and services necessary to successfully promote urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development.



The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program encourages urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development within city limits of urban or peri-urban areas.

Grants help organizations and communities obtain the materials and services necessary to successfully promote urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development.

The following groups are eligible to apply:
- For-profit businesses
- Non-profit organizations
- Schools
- Local government entities
- Native American tribal communities

Project Eligibility:

Eligible grant projects include the purchase and installation of equipment; capital expenditures (costs incurred to make physical improvements to or construct a facility); and/or dedicated staff contractor time. Projects must be located in or serve communities that meet one of the following criteria:
- Cities with a population over 5,000 or located within the boundaries of federally recognized tribal land and serving tribal community members, regardless of population size. You'll find a list of eligible cities and tribal areas in the Request for Proposals.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

- Request for Proposals - Urban Agriculture Grant FY2023
- How to Fill Out Your Online Application
- FAQs
- Resources for Grantees
- Past Projects

Stewardship

1. Contact the grant administrator to find out if your project is eligible.
2. Complete and submit the Dairy Business Planning Grant Application (below). You can either fill out the application form on your computer or you can print it out and complete it by hand.
3. Make sure your proposal contains these key components of a business plan (see Attachment C for an example outline):
    a. Executive Summary
    b. Short and Long Term Goals and Objectives
    c. Management Analysis
    d. Current and Historical Financial Information/Production Information
    e. Analysis of Proposed Business Changes
4. An MDA review committee will review your project and determine if it should be funded.

David Weinand

Grants cover 50 percent of the cost to hire a qualified, independent third party to create a business plan for a dairy operation and/or test for stray voltage. Dairy producers have used these grants to evaluate the feasibility of expanding a dairy, plan environmental upgrades, and create strategies to transfer the operation to a family member or other new owner.



Existing and beginning Minnesota dairy farmers are eligible for this grant.

The cost of services that are not directly related to the improvement and continuance of the dairy farm are ineligible for this grant, such as:
- Nutrition consulting
- Retirement and investment planning
- Tax planning and tax return preparation
- Intergenerational transfer planning that discontinues the dairy enterprise
- Loan origination or documentation fees
- Chattel real estate appraisal
- Crop consulting
- Nutrient management planning – except as required in the business plan
- Veterinary/herd health consulting
- The cost to complete a dairy business planning grant application

Dairy

Butter

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt

Cow Milk

Goat Milk

- Dairy Business Planning Grant Application (PDF)
- Livestock Expansion Loan Program
- Livestock Equipment Loan Program

Legal & Finance

The grant pays 50 percent of the cost to develop a business plan, up to $5,000. Applicant must pay the other 50 percent.

1. Contact the grant administrator to find out if your project is eligible.
2. Complete and submit the Dairy Business Planning Grant Application (PDF). You can either fill out the application form on your computer or you can print it out and complete it by hand.
3. Make sure your proposal contains these key components of a business plan (see Attachment C for an example outline):
    a. Executive Summary
    b. Short and Long Term Goals and Objectives
    c. Management Analysis
    d. Current and Historical Financial Information/Production Information
    e. Analysis of Proposed Business Changes
4. An MDA review committee will review your project and determine if it should be funded.


These grants encourage&#x2004;business planning and modernization activities and other improvements on Minnesota dairy farms. They will also help you pay for stray voltage testing.


Grants cover 50 percent of the cost to hire a qualified, independent third party to create a business plan for a dairy operation and/or test for stray voltage. Dairy producers have used these grants to evaluate the feasibility of expanding a dairy, plan environmental upgrades, and create strategies to transfer the operation to a family member or other new owner.



These grants encourage business planning and modernization activities and other improvements on Minnesota dairy farms. They will also help you pay for stray voltage testing.

Grants cover 50 percent of the cost to hire a qualified, independent third party to create a business plan for a dairy operation and/or test for stray voltage. Dairy producers have used these grants to evaluate the feasibility of expanding a dairy, plan environmental upgrades, and create strategies to transfer the operation to a family member or other new owner.

Existing and beginning Minnesota dairy farmers are eligible for this program.

Ineligible costs:

Services that are not directly related to the improvement and continuance of the dairy farm, such as:
- Nutrition consulting
- Retirement and investment planning
- Tax planning and tax return preparation
- Intergenerational transfer planning that discontinues the dairy enterprise
- Loan origination or documentation fees
- Chattel real estate appraisal
- Crop consulting
- Nutrient management planning – except as required in the business plan
- Veterinary/herd health consulting
- The cost to complete a dairy business planning grant application

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

Dairy Business Planning Grant Application (PDF)
Livestock Expansion Loan Program
Livestock Equipment Loan Program

Landscape

High Tunnel

Air Quality

Certification

Carbon Capture

Regenerative

Wildlife and Pollinator Habitat

Soil Health

Succession

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Business Plan

Waste & Manure Management

Fertilizer

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Weeds

Transition

The grant pays 50 percent of the cost to develop a business plan, up to $5,000. You must pay the other 50 percent.

Applications are funded on a first come, first served basis.

Apply through MDA's online application system.
    - If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
    - Once you are logged in, select New Markets: Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023).
If this is your first time applying for reimbursement, you must also submit a W-9 (Request for Taxpayer ID and Certification) by either:
    - Uploading a completed and signed IRS form W-9 (PDF), or
    - Within the application system, completing the online W-9 PowerForm hosted by DocuSign.

Brian Erickson

Jennifer Alexander

The AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota farm or branded food, beverage, or pet food company take advantage of market opportunities through E-commerce, digital and e-mail marketing, Business-to-Business (B2B) tradeshows (virtual and in-person), and store demos.

This year's program combines two previous programs – the _E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share_ and the _Wholesale Cost-Share_.

**MDA processes applications as they come in (first-come, first-served) until the application deadline or the funds are gone, whichever is first.** 



The AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota farm or branded food, beverage, or pet food company take advantage of market opportunities through E-commerce, digital and e-mail marketing, Business-to-Business (B2B) tradeshows (virtual and in-person), and store demos.
This year's program combines two previous programs – the E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share and the Wholesale Cost-Share.
MDA processes applications as they come in (first-come, first-served) until the application deadline or the funds are gone, whichever is first. 

To apply for either of these programs, your business must be:
- A Minnesota farm, or a branded food, beverage, or pet food making company registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, 
- A small-to-medium enterprise, which is an entity with fewer than 500 employees, AND
- A current holder of an MDA Food or Feed License or Minnesota Grown License number
You must also agree to:
- Promptly return post-event and follow-up surveys that ask for information including the number of leads generated and sales projections.
- Retain receipts and records for three years and make them available for audit or inspection by the MDA or state auditor on request.

- How to Fill Out Your Online Application

Events

Distribution

Diversification

Trade Relief

These cost-share programs are reimbursed at a rate of 50% of eligible investment made.

To enroll, farmers and crop advisers should both complete the simple registration form online, or contact a local NMI representative by March 15 (Farmers are limited to one Field Trial or Advanced Rate Trial, crop advisers are limited to ten).
- Farmers may work with a Crop Adviser or Co-op Agronomist to set up a Field Trial and record and submit required documentation.
    - If a farmer does not have a crop adviser, the MDA staff will be able to assist with Field Trial set up, harvest, and completion of required forms.
    - Crop adviser will verify information is correct by submitting forms for the farmer.
- Farmers can work with a Crop Adviser or MDA representative to set up Advanced Rate Trials and record and submit required documentation.
- Individual identity and locations from the NMI program will be kept confidential and only used for year-end summaries and educational or promotional purposes.

Ryan Lemickson

Dawn Bernau

Kevin Hauth

**The Minnesota Nutrient Management Initiative (NMI) assists farmers and crop advisers in evaluating nutrient management practices on their own fields.**


It is a simple tool that can lead to improved fertilizer efficiency and improved water quality.


Each participating farmer can work with a crop adviser to set up field trials on their farms. After completing plot harvest and submitting the required forms, farmers and crop advisers are&#x2004;reimbursed for their time and receive a summary and analysis of their results.

- **NMI is for corn grown for grain only** (wheat is acceptable in the northwest region). Wheat growers in northwest or west central Minnesota are encouraged to participate in the [Minnesota Wheat On-Farm Research Network](https://mnwheat.org/council/farm-research-network/). Contact Melissa Carlson at 952-738-2000 or mcarlson@mnwheat.com for more information.

- **A crop adviser and farmer must enroll in NMI separately in order to receive the full payment.** Deadline for enrollment is March 15th each year.



The Minnesota Nutrient Management Initiative (NMI) assists farmers and crop advisers in evaluating nutrient management practices on their own fields.

It is a simple tool that can lead to improved fertilizer efficiency and improved water quality.

Each participating farmer can work with a crop adviser to set up field trials on their farms. After completing plot harvest and submitting the required forms, farmers and crop advisers are reimbursed for their time and receive a summary and analysis of their results.
- NMI is for corn grown for grain only (wheat is acceptable in the northwest region). Wheat growers in northwest or west central Minnesota are encouraged to participate in the Minnesota Wheat On-Farm Research Network. Contact Melissa Carlson at 952-738-2000 or mcarlson@mnwheat.com for more information.
- A crop adviser and farmer must enroll in NMI separately in order to receive the full payment. Deadline for enrollment is March 15th each year.

Field trial design requirements for all trials:
- Corn grown and harvested for grain only
- Field length strips preferred, minimum of 30 feet wide by 600 feet in length
- Account for all nitrogen sources including manure, alfalfa, legume credits in addition to starter, MAP and DAP
- Rate trials should maintain a minimum 30 lb N/acre rate separation for comparison. Dealer nitrogen program comparisons are also acceptable.
- Keep all other factors consistent across field trial area (hybrid/variety, other nutrients, rates, soils, field history, drainage, topography, equipment)
- Crop adviser submits information to verify accuracy (If a farmer does not have a crop adviser, please contact closest NMI representative for assistance.)

*See NMI Guidelines for a complete listing of field trial requirements.

Corn

Sweet Corn

Row Crops

- Registration
- Field Trial Requirements
- Guidelines

Irrigation

Wetland Conservation

Waterway Protection

Water Quality

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Water Management

Research

Waste & Compost

Farmers and crop advisers are compensated for each field trial. The rate of compensation is higher for those that participate in the Advanced Rate Trial. Due to State contracting policies, individual participant payments are paid in two equal installments (June & December).


Create an account and apply online here.
Review the Request For Proposals to prepare yourself to apply.

Courtney VanderMey

The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant encourages long-term industry development for Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers by helping them improve, update, and modernize their livestock operation infrastructure and equipment.



Minnesota livestock farmers may apply. Applicants must be:
- in good standing with the state of Minnesota (no back taxes)
- a current Minnesota resident or a business entity that has authorization to farm in Minnesota
- the principal operator of the farm
NOTE: "Livestock" include beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervidae (deer), ratitae (flightless birds including emu), and llamas.

Project Eligibility
This grant program reimburses investments in:
1. Buildings or facilities for the production of livestock or livestock products.
2. Development of pasture for use by livestock including, but not limited to, lanes, watering systems, and fences.
3. Equipment for livestock housing, confinement, feeding, and waste management.
The grant will NOT pay for livestock, buying pasture/crop land, animal feed, crop seed, planters, combines, or debt refinancing.

Livestock

Cattle

Pigs

Poultry

Sheep

Specialty Livestock

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Equine

Goats

Guinea Pigs

Llamas

Mink

Mohair

Ostrich

Pheasants

Quail

Rabbits

Reindeer

Water Buffalo

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Broilers

Chicks

Fryers

Layers

Pullets

Roasters

Ducklings

Goslings

Poults

Toms

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Bison Calf

Bison Meat

Horses

Bucks

Nannies

Slaughter Goats

- 2023 Request for Proposals (PDF)
- How to Fill Out Your Online Application

Facilities

Disaster Relief

Emergency

- Total awards granted total of $1.3 million in Fiscal Year 2023.
- AGRI reimburses 10% of the first $250,000 of an eligible investment.
- For each project, the maximum grant amount available per fiscal year is $25,000.
- Only one grant per project.

Before you apply, read the full Request for Proposals (PDF) for complete details of the program. You can also review the list of past projects and read prior issues of the Greenbook, which contains summaries, findings, and locations of previous grants. Using these resources will help you design a competitive project.

Then, apply through MDA's online application system.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you are logged in, select AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant FY23.

Kelly Anderson

Eric Nooker

MDA Grants Line

The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. It funds projects that explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, or personally satisfying. Findings are published in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s annual _[Greenbook](https://www.mda.state.mn.us/greenbook)_.



The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. It funds projects that explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, or personally satisfying. Findings are published in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s annual Greenbook.

Applicant eligibility
Applications from Minnesota farmers receive priority, but the program also funds Minnesota nonprofits and educational organizations that meaningfully involve Minnesota farmers in projects.
Your project must last two to three years and you must be willing to share what you learn with others.
Project eligibility
MDA will fund projects that explore the profitability, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture practices or systems. Projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Practices that increase environmental sustainability and improve soil health
- Conservation tillage and weed management methods
- Novel cover crops and crop rotations
- Input reduction strategies, including nutrient and pesticide management
- On-farm energy production, such as wind, methane, or biomass, or improvements in energy efficiency
- Developing/refining/improving marketing opportunities, including season extension and post-harvest storage and handling
- Novel enterprise diversification, including organic production, using traditional and non-traditional crops and livestock
- Other creative ideas that focus on environmental benefits, energy savings or production, profitability, and/or farmers’ quality of life

- Request for Proposals - Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant 2023
- How to fill out your online application
- Greenbook

Trials

Conservation

Marketing

The AGRI Value-Added Grant helps Minnesota processors add value to Minnesota agricultural products by investing in the purchase of equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access for value-added products.



Individuals, farmers, businesses, agricultural cooperatives, or local government entities are eligible to apply. You must explain how your project will increase the sales of Minnesota agricultural products and/or increase market access. The program aims to fund projects that impact many farmers.

MDA will prioritize projects that create additional meat or poultry processing capacity, increase food safety to improve marketability, respond to changing market conditions as result of COVID-19, or respond to civil unrest.

MDA is not funding feasibility studies this year.

- Request for Proposals - Value-Added Grant 2022
- How to Fill Out Your Online Application

HVAC

MDA expects to award a total of $1 million in Fiscal Year 2021. Grants may reimburse up to 25 percent of eligible expenses. The maximum award is $150,000, and the minimum award is $1,000.

List of Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Funding Opportunities