Key Takeaways
- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has opened applications for the 2025 Urban Farm Conservation Mini-grant.
- Up to $5,000 is available per approved project, with $100,000 in total funding supported by USDA NRCS.
- Eligibility has expanded to include more commercial urban farms and tribal communities in Minnesota.
- Grants can fund irrigation upgrades, soil health tools, compost systems, crop rotation equipment, and other conservation-focused improvements.
- Applications are due December 18, 2025, with an informational session scheduled for November 20.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Launches 2025 Mini-Grant Program
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has opened its Urban Farm Conservation Mini-grant for 2025, providing urban farmers across the state with an opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 to support conservation-oriented improvements. Approximately $100,000 is available through funding provided by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Expands Program Eligibility
This year’s grant cycle features expanded eligibility. Commercial farming entities that produce or donate at least $1,000 in goods qualify, provided they operate within a Minnesota city of more than 5,000 residents or on federally recognized tribal land while serving tribal communities.
Funds may be used for a broad range of conservation-related upgrades. Eligible projects include irrigation infrastructure improvements, soil health amendments, composting systems, specialty crop rotation equipment, and other enhancements that deliver measurable conservation outcomes.
Program Funding Structure and Application Requirements
Grant recipients may receive reimbursement for up to 100% of project costs, with no cash match required. Awardees must cover expenses upfront and submit proof of purchase and payment for reimbursement.
An informational session is scheduled online for November 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. Interested participants must register in advance, and language interpretation services are available upon request by contacting program coordinator Emily Toner.
Application Deadline and Access to Materials
Applications for the Urban Farm Conservation Mini-grant must be submitted by December 18, 2025. The Request for Proposals can be downloaded in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali, and additional details are available on the Urban Farm Conservation Grant webpage.
