Produce Safety Mini-Grant

The Produce Safety Mini-Grant is administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to support Minnesota-based produce farmers in improving on-farm food safety systems. This initiative is funded through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant (CFDA 10.170) and is part of broader efforts to ensure the safety and quality of specialty crops produced in the state. With a total allocation of approximately $30,400 for the 2026 cycle, the program offers direct reimbursement grants to eligible growers. Each participating farm may receive up to $800 in reimbursement for qualifying expenses, with no cost-sharing or matching funds required from applicants. The grant specifically targets expenses that enhance food safety practices on farms. Eligible costs include water testing for generic E. coli, materials to build or purchase portable handwashing and produce washing stations (subject to prior approval of building plans), harvest totes, sanitizer for wash water and food contact surfaces, market containers, waxed boxes, and carts or pull wagons. Only expenses incurred on or after November 1, 2023, and before June 30, 2026, qualify for reimbursement. The grant’s design emphasizes minimal barriers to access while prioritizing practical investments in food safety infrastructure. Eligibility is limited to produce growers operating in Minnesota who grew and sold at least one qualifying crop in 2025, such as leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, and others listed in the grant notice. Applicants must have verified their farm’s status under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule with the MDA between 2023 and 2026 and be in good standing to receive federal or state funding. An added emphasis is placed on farmers who have completed formal food safety training through either FSMA Produce Safety Rule Grower Training or GAPs training offered by the University of Minnesota Extension or Cornell University. Applications are open until March 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Submissions can be completed online or through a paper form. Paper applications must be emailed by the due date or postmarked by March 21, 2026, and received by April 6, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applicants are required to answer all mandatory questions and submit training certificates when applying under specialized funding categories. All applications that substantially meet requirements will be included in a randomized lottery selection process. The selection process is divided into four randomized rounds, prioritizing applicants in three defined funding categories before proceeding to a general pool. The categories include farmers with relevant training, those fully covered by FSMA inspection requirements, and beginning farmers. A minimum of $7,200 will be distributed in each of the four selection rounds. Applicants may qualify under multiple categories but will only receive a single award if selected. Awards will be announced in May 2026. Awardees must register in the SWIFT vendor system and submit itemized documentation by June 30, 2026, verifying eligible purchases. They will also receive a 1099 form for tax reporting purposes. Any questions regarding the grant must be submitted by March 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., and should be directed to [email protected] or by calling 651-539-3648. Feedback about the grant process is welcomed until October 31, 2026. This grant reflects the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s commitment to enhancing produce safety through targeted support to the state’s specialty crop producers.

Submit FSMA or GAPs training certificate to increase selection chances.