The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened the application process for the 2025 Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Program. This initiative aims to support Minnesota schools in establishing or enhancing meat cutting and butchery training programs.
Eligible applicants include public or private schools or school districts within Minnesota that wish to develop or improve meat cutting and butchery training for secondary students in grades 6 through 12.
The MDA plans to distribute approximately $225,000 through a competitive review process. Schools can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $75,000 per project. Up to 10% of each grant may be allocated for faculty training. Notably, schools are not required to provide matching funds.
Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, via the MDA’s online application system. Decisions regarding the awards are expected in early May.
For more information about the program, interested parties can visit the AGRI Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Program webpage.
