Friends and neighbors,
There is some good news I want to share for anyone who has dreamed of starting a farm. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for its Down Payment Assistance Grant program. This grant provides up to $20,000 toward the purchase of a first farm or agricultural property in Minnesota. Applications will be accepted until September 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
The program is open to farmers with annual gross agricultural sales below $250,000, with priority given to those earning less than $100,000 or producing specialty crops, hemp, or cannabis. Awardees will be chosen through a lottery in early October. Eligible purchases include farmland, barns, greenhouses, and other agricultural facilities within the state. Urban agricultural properties may qualify if they meet program rules, but standard residential homes in densely populated areas do not.
This grant is meant to lower one of the biggest hurdles for new farmers, which is the upfront cost of buying land. It is about helping more Minnesotans build equity, strengthen rural economies, and, hopefully, build the next generation of great Minnesota farmers.
If you or someone you know is interested in taking that big first step, visit the MDA website at https://mda.state.mn.us and search for “Down Payment Assistance Grant.”
If you have any questions, please reach out any time.
Sincerely,