By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will soon open applications for the latest round of its Soil Health Financial Assistance Program grants. These grants aim to support individual producers, producer groups, and tribal and local governments in purchasing or retrofitting soil health equipment.
The program offers up to a 50% cost-share, with awards ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $45,000.
The 2024 Legislature appropriated $2.375 million for these grants statewide, with an additional $495,000 designated for Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona counties.
Applications will be accepted starting August 1 and are due by August 30, 2024. The awards will be announced by January 1, 2025.
"Specialized, expensive equipment can be a barrier for farmers wanting to implement soil health practices, so it’s important we invest in programs like the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program grants,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “The soil health benefits we see to water quality and our other natural resources go beyond a farm’s border and can have a positive impact on many Minnesotans.”
Eligible equipment includes, but is not limited to, no-till drills, air seeders, and strip tillage units. Both new and used equipment can qualify for the grants.
This is the third round of Soil Health Financial Assistance Program grants. The second round awarded over $2.3 million to 81 individuals and organizations across Minnesota.
No-till drills, air seeders, and strip tillage equipment were among the most requested items. The second round saw over 280 applications requesting more than $8.4 million, significantly exceeding the available funding.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Minnesota, Rural Lifestyle