Region Nine Development Commission

08/28/2026

MDA Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant

Minnesota farmers and organizations have a new opportunity to test innovative agricultural practices through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant.

The program will award up to $350,000, with grants of up to $50,000 available per project. Funding supports two- to three-year, on-farm research and demonstration projects focused on practices that could improve farm profitability or resource efficiency. Priority will be given to farmer-led projects.

Eligible applicants include Minnesota farmers, Tribal Nations and organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and local units of government. Past projects have explored cover crops, crop rotations, on-farm composting, livestock grazing, and new crop varieties.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Learn more about eligibility, past projects, and how to apply through the MDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant webpage: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-sustainable-agriculture-demonstration-grant

08/26/2026

Free Mental Health Workshops for Agricultural Communities

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and partners in the Minnesota Farm Su***de Prevention Campaign are offering free mental health and suicide-prevention workshops in communities across Minnesota this fall.

The two-hour Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) for Agriculture workshop teaches participants how to recognize warning signs, have supportive conversations, and connect someone who may be at risk with appropriate care and lifesaving resources.

The Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory (COMET) workshop provides practical tools for starting caring conversations with someone who may be struggling and helping them move toward wellness.

These trainings are open to farmers and others who interact with agricultural communities, including crop consultants, agricultural lenders, Extension educators, veterinarians, rural business owners, local officials, clergy, and others.

A QPR for Agriculture session will be held in New Ulm on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. There is no charge to attend.

Learn more about upcoming workshops and the Minnesota Farm Su***de Prevention Campaign: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/broad-coalition-puts-spotlight-farmer-suicide-prevention/

08/25/2026

This is the last week of the 2026 Local Foods Month! Stop by a participating restaurant to support local farmers bringing food to our plates. Every day is Local Foods Day when you support local growers!

08/24/2026

08/21/2026

Funding Opportunity for Rural Climate Solutions

The Rural Climate Partnership is accepting Letters of Inquiry on a rolling basis from organizations working to advance practical, community-focused climate solutions in rural communities across the United States.

Funding is available for rural-led and rural-serving nonprofits, public agencies, tribal governments, religious organizations, and other eligible organizations. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $100,000 for projects and $75,000 to $150,000 for general operating support.

Eligible organizations should be based in or directly serve rural communities, small towns, and small cities, with a focus on communities with populations under 50,000.

If your organization is working on innovative, equitable climate solutions in rural communities, this could be an opportunity worth exploring. Letters of Inquiry are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Learn more and submit an LOI here, https://ruralclimate.org/grantmaking/

08/20/2026

Local Foods Month is still going strong! Find your favorite locally sourced dish at 2026 Local Foods Month

08/18/2026

Save the Date! August 29th, RNDC is partnering with COPAL MN for the ECOPAL Experience.

08/12/2026

Funding Available to Bring More Minnesota-Grown Food to Kids’ Plates

Minnesota schools, early childhood education centers, and licensed in-home family childcare providers can now apply for funding through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s AGRI Farm to Kids Programs.

Approximately $1.47 million is available for grants and cost-share opportunities that help eligible providers purchase Minnesota-grown and raised foods, as well as kitchen equipment for preparing local foods.

Funding opportunities include:
• First Bite Grants: $2,500–$5,000 for organizations new to local food procurement
• Full Tray Grants: Up to $25,000 to expand local food offerings
• Local Tots Cost-Share: Funding for family childcare providers
• Equipment Grants: Up to $20,000 for eligible kitchen equipment

Applications and Letters of Intent are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, October 15.

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Kids Programs.

The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program supports the advancement of Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy industries.

08/12/2026

Check out RNDC Planner Sabri Fair on Kato Living! He was joined by Molly from the Wooden Spoon to talk about the 2026 Local Foods Month

Celebrate local growers and businesses this month during the 5th annual Local Foods Month
WATCH: keyc.com/video/2026/08/11/kato-living-local-foods-month/

08/10/2026

RNDC Regional Food Rescue Coordinator Tom Polich was at Project Community Connect in St. Peter last week. He spent the day handing out frozen potatoes and talking about all things food rescue.

Project Community Connect is a free event organized by the Nicollet County Public Health Department to support individuals and families facing financial challenges. The goal is to provide access to essential resources and support.