Time Running Out For First Time Farmers To Apply For Grants

When most people outside of Minnesota think our state they think of either the number of lakes that are here, snow and cold weather, or the twin cities and the pro sports teams that are housed there. One thing a lot of people don’t realize about our state is that farming is in the DNA of Minnesota.  

Like in other states, farming has been handed down from one generation to the next, and there are those who would love to start their own farming endeavor but the cost of getting started may seem to be too high. But there is help available from the State of Minnesota.   

The Down Payment Assistance Grant Program from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is about ready to wrap up their application process on Monday, so there is still time for applications to be turned in. 

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The program offers up to $20,000 for qualified farmers who are looking to purchase their first farm. The Department of Agriculture will use a random lottery process with priority being placed on applicants who meet the requirements of eligibility. 

To be eligible, applicants must meet these requirements: 

• Be an individual applicant (LLCs must apply as an individual) 

• Be a Minnesota Resident 

• Must have knowledge in the field of farming they intend to do 

• Earn less than $250,000 in agriculture sales 

• Applicants or their spouses must have never owned a farm before 

• Cannot buy a farm from a direct family member 

• Applicants must be the primary labor and management on the farm 

• The applicant must farm the land for at least 5 years 

• Be in good standing with the State of Minnesota 

• Not have been convicted of a crime related to a state grant program 

To be a priority applicant these are the guidelines: 

• Earn less than $100,000 per year in agriculture sales or  

• Produce one or more of these crops: 

• Industrial Hemp 

• Cannabis 

• Fruits, Vegetables or other Horticultural Crops  

Eligible Farm Purchases Include: 

• Farmland or other agriculture real estate 

• The land must be within the boundaries of Minnesota 

• The closing of the land deal must be after the application process closes and within a designated timeline. The grant cannot be retroactively applied toward the purchase of the land that has already been closed on. 

Here is the link for the online application process.