Minnesota Department of Agriculture - Soil Health Financial Assistance Program Grants - FY27
Minnesota Department of Agriculture | State of MinnesotaState · Saint Paul, MN- Due
- Aug 31, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Jul 3, 2026
- Contract term
- 1 year
- Primary contact
- Elaine Dorn
- (952) 312-9913
The 30-second brief
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture invites applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Soil Health Financial Assistance Program to support healthy soil management practices through cost-share funding for purchasing and retrofitting equipment. Grant funds cover up to 50% of project costs with a minimum award of $500 and maximum of $45,000 for eligible applicants including individual farmers, producer groups, local government units (LGUs), and Tribal Nations. Eligible expenses include air seeders, no-till drills, drop seeders, broadcast seeders, crimpers, agricultural drones, and retrofit materials to minimize soil disturbance, keep soil covered, maintain living roots, maximize plant diversity, and integrate livestock. Applications are due by August 31, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, with a question deadline of August 24, 2026.
Air seeders, No till drill, Drop seeders, Broadcast seeders, Crimpers, Agricultural drones, Drone trailers, Batteries, Materials to retrofit existing equipment
Proposed equipment addresses goals, Grant request impacts a Highly Vulnerable Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) (5 pts), Diversity, equity, and inclusion (10 pts), Applicant readiness, budget, economic outcomes (10 pts), Conservation Planning and Multiple Benefits (25 pts), Equipment is identified as having a high benefit to soil health (45 pts), Cost Efficiency Ratio (25 pts)
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Summary
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture invites applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Soil Health Financial Assistance Program to support healthy soil management practices through cost-share funding for purchasing and retrofitting equipment.
Grant funds cover up to 50% of project costs with a minimum award of $500 and maximum of $45,000 for eligible applicants including individual farmers, producer groups, local government units (LGUs), and Tribal Nations. Eligible expenses include air seeders, no-till drills, drop seeders, broadcast seeders, crimpers, agricultural drones, and retrofit materials to minimize soil disturbance, keep soil covered, maintain living roots, maximize plant diversity, and integrate livestock. Applications are due by August 31, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, with a question deadline of August 24, 2026.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposed equipment addresses goals, Grant request impacts a Highly Vulnerable Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) (5 pts), Diversity, equity, and inclusion (10 pts), Applicant readiness, budget, economic outcomes (10 pts), Conservation Planning and Multiple Benefits (25 pts), Equipment is identified as having a high benefit to soil health (45 pts), Cost Efficiency Ratio (25 pts)
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
9- Air seeders
- No till drill
- Drop seeders
- Broadcast seeders
- Crimpers
- Agricultural drones
- Drone trailers
- Batteries
- Materials to retrofit existing equipment
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
6- Proof of lease or ownership
- Deed or USDA Farm Service Agency field records
- Lease agreement
- FSA maps for DWSMA points
- Project budget
- Letters of support
- Submit to
- https://www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant
- Scope location
- St. Paul, MN
- Reported agency
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Minnesota Department of Agriculture | State of Minnesota?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is August 31, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant. For questions, contact Elaine Dorn.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Minnesota Department of Agriculture | State of Minnesota in MN, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Elaine Dorn at (952) 312-9913. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Air seeders, No till drill, Drop seeders, Broadcast seeders, Crimpers, Agricultural drones, Drone trailers, Batteries, Materials to retrofit existing equipment. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Proposed equipment addresses goals, Grant request impacts a Highly Vulnerable Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) (5 pts), Diversity, equity, and inclusion (10 pts), Applicant readiness, bud..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Minnesota Department of Agriculture | State of Minnesota?
All active and historical solicitations from Minnesota Department of Agriculture | State of Minnesota are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Minnesota Department of Agriculture | State of Minnesota regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 1 year. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: proof of lease or ownership, deed or USDA Farm Service Agency field records, lease agreement, FSA maps for DWSMA points, project budget, letters of support. Review the full document from Minnesota Department of Agriculture | State of Minnesota for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: St. Paul, MN. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.