The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting FY2027 AGRI Specialty Crop Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant applications to help Minnesota specialty-crop producers buy and install supplies or equipment that make their operations more resilient to drought, flooding, extreme heat, high winds, hail, frost, tornadoes, and winter storms.
Funding and match
Approximately $500,000 is available, with 40 to 50 grants expected. Applicants may request $500 to $10,000 for projects costing $1,000 to $20,000. A 50% cash match is required, and only one Prepare grant may be awarded per operation in FY2027.
Eligibility
Minnesota specialty-crop producers may apply. Specialty crops include annual and perennial fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and ornamental plants grown for sale. Beginning in FY2027, livestock-related projects are not funded through Prepare and should be directed to the appropriate livestock program.
Eligible project examples
Examples include water tanks, pipelines, water wagons or trailers, wells and pump improvements, irrigation equipment, hoses, soil-moisture sensors, nozzles, rain barrels, mulch, cover crops, worker-safety equipment, and hail netting. Payments are reimbursement-based, and eligible purchases must occur after the grant contract is fully signed and reaches its start date.
Deadline and application
Applications are due November 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Applicants must review the current FY2027 Request for Proposals and submit through MDA’s online grant application system; MDA states applicants unable to apply online may contact the agency for another option.
Atlas analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 70/100. N9+ Fit: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. This is a specialty-crop climate-resilience equipment program rather than a healthcare opportunity. Atlas should not position N9+ or QC Healthcare.