Application Window Open for MDA Livestock Investment Grants

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Accepting Applications for Livestock Investment Grant

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant. This annual grant opportunity is open to Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers looking to improve their operations, supporting long-term development in Minnesota’s $8 billion livestock industry.

Grant Details

• The MDA anticipates awarding approximately $1.5 million in fiscal year 2024 for Livestock Investment Grants using a competitive review process.
• Grant funds are available for equipment purchases and physical improvements used to help start, improve, or expand livestock operations in Minnesota.
• Reimbursable investments include but are not limited to buildings or facilities for producing livestock, watering systems, fencing, feed equipment, and waste management equipment used for raising livestock.

Eligibility and Application Process

• All principal operators of livestock farms in Minnesota are invited to apply, including those who have received grants in the past.
• Only one application will be accepted per farm.
• Preference will be given to applicants or farms that have not previously been awarded a grant.
• Applicants may apply for up to 10% of their project’s total cost, with a minimum expense of $4,000 and a maximum expense of $250,000.
• Grant awards can range in size from $400 to $25,000.
• Only expenses incurred after the grant contract has been signed by all parties are eligible for reimbursement.
• The MDA expects to have contracts to grantees by early 2024.
• Applications for the grant will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023.
• Applicants must use the MDA’s online application portal to apply for the grant.

Additional Information

Additional information can be found on the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant webpage.

Media Contact

• Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
• 651-201-6193
• Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
   • Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value-added and labor-intensive sectors.
   • Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article discusses the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The issues highlighted in the article are related to the development and improvement of livestock operations in Minnesota’s livestock industry.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value-added and labor-intensive sectors.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
• Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.

The article mentions the grant funds being used for equipment purchases and physical improvements to start, improve, or expand livestock operations. These investments can contribute to increasing agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, which aligns with Target 2.3. The indicator 2.3.1 can measure the volume of production per labor unit, indicating the progress made in achieving the target.

The article also highlights the support for economic growth through the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant. By providing funding for livestock operations, the grant aims to achieve higher levels of economic productivity. The indicator 8.2.1 can measure the annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person, reflecting progress towards Target 8.2.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: mda.state.mn.us

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