ST. PAUL – State Rep. Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley, announced today that applications are being accepted for a new grant program to support Minnesotans purchasing their first farm.
The Down Payment Assistance Grant Program is managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), and it offers dollar-for-dollar matching up to $15,000 for qualified small farmers to purchase farmland.
“Farming is much more than a profession in West Central Minnesota, it is a way of life and something worth protecting for future generations,” Backer said. “Anyone looking to get into the Ag world knows that initial costs can be prohibitive for those looking to buy a farm. This program is intended to help folks that need assistance purchase a farm for the first time and I encourage local residents to apply if they qualify.”
The MDA’s Rural Finance Authority is awarding this funding using a first-come, first-served application process and expects to award between 30 and 40 grants in this cycle, depending on the size of requests. A second cycle of $750,000 in funding has been secured and will be made available on July 1.
Farmers must be Minnesota residents who will earn less than $250,000 annually in gross agricultural sales and plan on providing the majority of the day-to-day physical labor on the farm for at least five years. Applicants must not have previous direct or indirect farmland ownership.
Applications will continue to be accepted until a waitlist of 100 applicants forms, or May 15, 2023, whichever comes first. The application and more details can be found by visiting www.mda.state.mn.us and entering "first-time farm purchase grant" in the search field.
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