MDA Supports New Farmers with Infrastructure Grants

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has awarded nearly $857,000 to 97 beginning farmers across 45 counties through a new grant program aimed at helping cover the cost of equipment and infrastructure. Demand for the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant far exceeded available funding, with 1,100 eligible applicants requesting a combined $18.6 million. Individual awards of up to $20,000 are being used for projects ranging from fencing and irrigation to tractor purchases and walk-in coolers. MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey says securing land and equipment are major barriers for new farmers, and this grant is designed to help remove those hurdles.