PINE ISLAND, MN - Governor Tim Walz today visited the farm of Matt Kruger in Pine Island to highlight resources available for new farmers. A shortage of new farmers and financial barriers to farming threaten the future of agriculture. State resources including the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, Beginning Farmer Loan Program, and the Down Payment Assistance Grant provide necessary supports to encourage new farmers.

“Minnesota is built on agriculture. We rely on our farmers to feed our families and drive the economy and it is vital that we support our farmers and create opportunities for new folks to enter the occupation, especially amid difficult times,” said Governor Walz. “I am grateful for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for their work ensuring that new farmers and rural communities can thrive.”

Beginning Farmer Tax Credit
The Minnesota Beginning Farmer Tax Credit provides state tax credits to landlords and sellers who rent or sell farmland, equipment, livestock, and other agricultural assets to beginning farmers in the current tax year.

Beginning Farmer Loan Program
The Beginning Farmer Loan Program provides financial assistance to help people who want to farm in Minnesota. The program offers affordable financing, a reasonable down payment, and built-in safeguards, such as farm business management training and financial planning to help minimize the risk all farmers face.

Down Payment Assistance Grants
The Minnesota Down Payment Assistance Grant offers up to $15,000 for qualified farmers purchasing their first farm .The grant program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) Rural Finance Authority as part of its mission to develop the state’s agricultural resources. MDA will award these grants using a random lottery process. Applications will open on August 1.

Severe flooding across the state has compounded challenges for new farmers with many facing the loss of crops, livestock, and profits. Additional funding through the Rural Finance Authority’s Disaster Recovery Loan Program provides financial support amid recovery efforts.