Minnesota State Wire

Applications for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Soil Health Financial Assistance Program Grants will open on August 1. The program aims to help individual producers, producer groups, and local governments purchase or retrofit equipment that supports soil health practices.

The grants offer a cost-share of up to 50%, with awards ranging from $500 to $45,000. For this round, $4.36 million is available statewide. Funding comes from the 2025 Minnesota Legislature and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The MDA is monitoring potential changes to federal funding as a result of policy decisions within the Trump Administration.

MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen stated, “The Soil Health Financial Assistance Grant helps offset equipment costs and ensures more farmers are engaged in soil health practices that benefit Minnesota’s water and natural resources. I want to thank our state leaders and federal partners for investing in this program, and I encourage producers, producer groups, tribes, and local governments to apply for this opportunity.”

Eligible equipment includes new or used items such as no-till drills, air seeders, and strip tillage units.

Applicants can find the Request for Proposals and application link at www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant starting August 1. Applications must be submitted by August 29, 2025. The MDA plans to announce awards by January 1, 2026.

This marks the fourth round of Soil Health Financial Assistance Program Grants. In the previous round, $2.79 million was awarded to 90 individuals and organizations throughout Minnesota. Demand exceeded available funds in that round; nearly 310 applications were received with requests totaling over $9.6 million—more than three times what was available.

Soil health has become an increasing focus in agricultural management due to its impact on productivity and environmental sustainability. State agencies like the MDA have been expanding support programs aimed at improving soil conditions through financial incentives for adopting conservation-oriented farming methods.

For more information about eligibility requirements or details about applying for these grants, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official grant website at www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant once applications open.