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Applications are open for the 2026 Produce Safety Mini-Grant from MDA

Annalisa Hultberg, Extension Educator, food safety

The Produce Safety Mini-Grant are funds that help reimburse Minnesota produce farmers for expenses that improve on-farm food safety systems. The Produce Safety Program has approximately $30,400 to distribute via the 2026 mini-grant. This grant provides reimbursement up to $800 per farm. No matching funds from the applicant are required.




Who can apply?

Produce growers who farm in Minnesota, who: 

What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?

Expenses must be related to improvements in on-farm food safety systems and fall within one of the below categories. Expenses must occur on/after November 1, 2023 or planned to take place before June 30, 2026.

  • Water testing for generic E. coli
    • Pre-harvest water: must be a quantitative testing method for generic E. coli. Post harvest-water: can be presence/absence or quantitative testing method for generic E. coli.
  • Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
    • Building requirement: Building plans must be submitted and approved prior to purchase to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Supplies to build or purchase a portable produce washing station
    • Building requirement: Building plans must be submitted and approved prior to purchase to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Harvest totes
  • Sanitizer used for wash water and food contact surfaces
  • Carts and pull wagons
  • Market containers
  • Waxed boxes

Selection rounds 1-3 will draw from the following categories:

  • Farmers that have completed a FSMA Produce Safety Rule Grower Training and/or a Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training offered by the University of Minnesota Extension or Cornell University. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $7,200.
  • Farmers that were confirmed to be fully covered and subject to routine inspection under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule in 2025. Minimum amount awarded via this round: $7,200.
  • Beginning farmers. Minimum amount awarded via this round $7,200.

The final round 4 drawing will draw from all remaining eligible applicants and award a minimum amount of $7,200. Any funds unawarded during the first 3 rounds will roll into the final drawing for all eligible applicants.

How to apply

Applications are due by March 21, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

Applications received after the due date will not be considered for funding.

    The application can be completed online or with a paper form. Submit paper applications by:
  • Email to: produceSafety.MDA@state.mn.us
    • Emailed applications must be received by 3/21/26.
  • Mail to: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Attention: Produce Safety Program - Mini Grant, 625 Robert Street North, Saint Paul, MN 55155
    • Mailed applications must be post-marked by 3/21/26 and received by 4/6/26. Applications postmarked by the correct date but not received by the two-week deadline will not be considered for funding.

What should I expect after I apply?

  • Award notices will be sent in May 2026.
  • In order to receive reimbursement, awardees will be required to:
    • Register as a vendor within the state's payment system (State Wide Integrated Financial Tools services, known as "SWIFT")
    • Submit documentation no later than June 30, 2026, that verifies they have purchased and paid for items they are seeking reimbursement for.
  • Awardees will receive a 1099 from the State of Minnesota for income tax purposes. Grant awards are taxable. 

Questions


For questions, please contact the Produce Safety Program via email at ProduceSafety.MDA@state.mn.us or call 651-539-3648. Questions about the grant must be submitted by March 13 at 4:00pm.

All questions asked are added to the regularly updated list of Questions and Answers about the grant.

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