On April 17, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced the Emerging Farmer Technical Assistance Grant. According to a release from the agency, emerging farmers are identified as farmers in Minnesota who are “American Indian or Alaskan Natives, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, members of a community of color, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, or any other emerging farmers as determined by the commissioner of agriculture.”

The new grant program is available for the following:

≥≥ Those providing technical assistance to emerging farmers in the state, including activities related to finances, business planning, land access and more.

≥≥ Eligible emerging farmers to cover up to 65% of premium expenses for up to two years under the USDA Micro Farm Crop Insurance program.

Those who are selected will receive a minimum grant of $10,000, up to a maximum of $100,000. Applications close at 8 a.m. on June 26, 2023, and more information on the grant, including how to apply, can be found here.

View the full release here.