The Soil Health Financial Assistance Grant provides cost-share funding for the purchase and retrofit of soil health equipment. This program aims to support the adoption of soil health practices by covering up to 50% of the costs associated with new or used equipment and parts for retrofitting existing equipment. The grants, which range from $500 to $45,000, are available to individual producers, producer groups, and local government units in Minnesota. The program is designed to offset the high costs of specialized equipment necessary for improving soil health, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Eligible applicants include individual producers, producer groups, and local government units. The next application round opens on August 1, 2024. Awards are competitive and contracts last for 12 months. A total of $2,375,000 is available for Fiscal Year 2025, with an additional $495,000 designated for specific counties. Applicants must provide a detailed justification of how the equipment will contribute to soil health, including cost estimates and the number of acres impacted. Prioritization points are awarded to historically underserved communities and those participating in specific environmental programs.
