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AUGUST 2025

Increased Support for Labeling and Signage Cost-Share!

Now up to $1,000 per entity each fiscal year

If you are developing product labels, packaging, or permanent signs and add the Minnesota Grown logo in your design, you may be eligible to receive partial reimbursement of design and printing costs, up to $1,000 per entity in the current fiscal year which goes from July 1 of this year through June 30, 2026. Previously the max for reimbursement was $300. 

This fiscal year, the program will reimburse 75% of the first $400 you spend on eligible labels, signs, or packaging and 25% of your investment from $400-$2,800, while funds last. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis until our funds for the fiscal year run out. You can submit multiple applications per fiscal year until you reach the $1,000 maximum. Applicants must hold a current Minnesota Grown license. 

Examples:

Two MDA Grants Now Open

Down Payment Assistance Grant - applications due Sept. 15

The Down Payment Assistance Grant offers eligible farmers up to $20,000 to help buy their first farm, up from $15,000 in past years to reflect increasing land prices. The Minnesota Legislature boosted funding for the program to $1.25 million this year, up from $1 million last year. Learn more.

Soil Health Equipment Grants - applications due Aug. 29

The Soil Health Financial Assistance Program provides up to 50% cost-share for the purchase of soil health equipment to establish, improve, or accelerate soil health. $4.36 million is available for grants statewide, with a maximum of $45,000 per grant. Learn more.

MDA Seeks Input Before Next Legislative Session

The MDA is gathering ideas as the agency considers proposals for the 2026 Minnesota legislative session. Farmers, food businesses, and others impacted by food and agriculture systems are invited to share policy and program suggestions.

The MDA is hosting two virtual public input sessions where people can share their ideas directly, in addition to an online form for written submissions open through September 10, 2025.

The two sessions will take place on Zoom. Participation is free, but registration is required. The sessions are scheduled for:

• Wednesday September 3, from Noon – 1 p.m. Register for this event.
• Thursday, September 4, from 5 – 6 p.m. Register for this event.

Grow Your Green with the Minnesota Farmers' Market Association's Access to Markets Program

Applications due Aug. 31

This pilot program from our partners at the Minnesota Farmers' Market Association is designed to empower emerging farmers by breaking down barriers to funding, marketing, and education — all while building community along the way.

What You’ll Get:

• Expert-led training modules you can watch anytime
• Study halls to dive deeper with instructors and peers
• Financial support for branding, packaging, marketing, and online presence
• Ongoing guidance to help you succeed in farmers’ markets and local food systems

This program prioritizes farmers from diverse communities who are navigating the challenges of building a sustainable business through direct marketing.

Training Access: All sessions are recorded for flexible learning

Financial Assistance: Covers essential marketing and business tools

Community Support: Learn from peers and experienced instructors

The program starts Sept. 8 and ends at the Emerging Farmers Conference on November 7. Lodging assistance is available if needed.

Promotions Drive Growth in Minnesota Grown Directory Visits

Visits to the Minnesota Grown directory are up, totaling 869,065 page views so far this year! In June and July, our statewide advertising encouraged Minnesotans to get out and enjoy berry picking, visit Minnesota wineries, and explore farmers markets. With many engaging TV spots and a feature in the Star Tribune, we work to showcase the diversity of Minnesota Grown products. A recent Fox9 segment paired local wine with artisan cheese, a summer chicken salad recipe from our blog, and a blueberry dessert. Our outreach is putting Minnesota’s farms and flavors on the map!

Meet New Minnesota Grown Student Worker CJ Larsen!

cj.larsen@state.mn.us CJ spent five years working in artisan cheese production before returning to school. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication & marketing at the University of Minnesota. He is passionate about all things Minnesota, especially our local food systems. CJ is driven to uplift Minnesota’s farmers, growers, and producers while positively impacting our economy and ecology. At Minnesota Grown, CJ assists the program’s consumer-facing activities, contributing to social media and newsletters, as well as representing Minnesota Grown at events across the state, including coordinating the program’s display at the Minnesota State Fair. Stop by the Minnesota Grown booth in the Ag-Hort Building to say “Hello!”

University of Minnesota Mentoring Opportunity

Share your career knowledge and make a difference in a student’s professional journey! The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Mentor Program annually matches Twin Cities campus students/post-docs with industry professionals/alumni who share valuable career guidance and insights. Monthly connections (November – May) between mentees and mentors provide opportunities for mentees’ personal and professional development, as well as foster meaningful and long-lasting mentoring relationships. Join in on program events and networking opportunities as well. Discover how you can connect with a mentee and apply by October 3, 2025. 

The Statewide Cooperative Partnership Wants to Hear from You

All Minnesota agricultural producers are invited share their experiences through the 2025 Producer Survey. 

This survey, conducted by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and the University of Minnesota in partnership with the Statewide Cooperative Partnership, builds on 2022 data in order to support sustainable farming and inform food system initiatives.

Complete it in under 30 minutes online. Your feedback will shape agricultural programs, market development, and climate strategies that impact your business and community.

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