Minnesota Grants to Combat the Spread of Avian Influenza

Applications are due by October 31, 2024.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for grants to help livestock producers buy and install preventative equipment for their operations. The Protect Grant reimburses up to 80% of the cost of eligible virus prevention measures, with a maximum award of $10,000 per farm. A 20% cash match is required, which may be reduced by up to $2,000 for related time and labor costs incurred by the applicant. Examples of eligible equipment include lasers, sound machines, and other measures to scare wild species away from livestock operations; isolation pens; electronic animal ID systems; air filtration systems; Danish entry systems; and truck washes. Approximately $500,000 will be awarded in this round of grants. Protect Grant applicants must be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota that produces and sells at least $1,000 of livestock products annually. Beginning farmers (those who have farmed for 10 years or less) will be prioritized in this round of awards.