Applications are open for the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program until August 30, 2024.
The Soil Health Financial Assistance Grant provides cost-share for the purchase and retrofit of soil health equipment. Adopting soil health practices often requires expensive and specific pieces of equipment, creating a need for a cost-share opportunity to offset those costs. Apply for the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program by 4pm CST on August 30, 2024.
Quick facts
One of the first and only programs to reimburse for equipment
Covers purchase of new equipment, used equipment, and parts to retrofit existing equipment
Awards range from $500-$45,000 (up to 50% cost share)
Individual producers, producer groups, and local government units are eligible to apply
Eligible equipment purchases must advance soil health in Minnesota
These grants are competitive. Awarded contracts will last for 12 months
This is a reimbursement grant. No purchases can be made before a grant contract is fully executed (after funding notifications are made)
The application will require the cost of the equipment, an explanation of how the equipment will be used to advance soil health on your farm, the number of acres the equipment will be used on, and other information.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the online application system by 4 PM CST on August 30, 2024. Before you apply, see the Request for Proposal for comprehensive information about the application, evaluation criteria, and grant awards.
For questions on the grant program or application:
Submit your question in writing before 4:00 p.m. CST on August 23, 2024
Email jessica.jurcek@state.mn.us or brad.jordahlredlin@state.mn.us with “Soil Health Grant” in the subject line.
Questions and answers will be posted online on the MDA Soil Health Grant page.
Who is eligible?
Individual producers, producer groups, and local government units (including cities, towns, counties, soil and water conservation districts, tribal nations, and joint powers boards). A local government unit that receives a grant for equipment purchases must make those purchases available for use by the public.
Prioritization points will be awarded to applicants who belong to historically underserved communities
Prioritization points will also be awarded if an operation is actively certified or assessed and working towards certification in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program and/or the equipment will be used to implement an NRCS Resource Management System (RMS) plan.
Applicants who have not previously been awarded a Soil Health Financial Assistance Program grant will be prioritized.
How much is available?
$2,375,000 are allocated for distribution through the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program in Fiscal Year 2025. Grant awards will provide up to 50% cost-share, with a minimum award of $500 and a maximum award of $45,000.
An additional $495,000 will be available in Fiscal Year 2025 for the following counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, or Winona County.
Eligible expenses
Grant applications must be for the purchase of equipment that will be used to establish, improve, or accelerate soil health. Equipment can be new or used. Parts and materials used to retrofit existing equipment (this does not include tools that can be used again on another project) may also be eligible. To receive funding, successful applicants must submit proof of payment for their equipment. Examples of eligible equipment include, but are not limited to, no till drills, air seeders, high boys, variable rate equipment, retrofit projects to convert corn detasslers to high boys, and more. Note that equipment purchases must not be made until after the start date of the grant contract.
What will I need for my application?
Be prepared to provide a justification for how the equipment you plan to purchase will contribute to soil health on your operation. Additionally, you will need to report how many acres you plan to use the equipment on and provide a budget that includes the cost of the equipment you plan to purchase. Additional information is required in the application, these are just some of the key aspects that could take more time to prepare. See the Request for Proposals for more detailed information about the application questions and evaluation criteria.
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