Purpose

To provide funding from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to support preservation of the cultural heritage of Black farmers in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Appropriates $1,363,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,363,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• Money goes to the commissioner of administration to administer grants to the Minnesota Black Farmers Association.
• Grants are intended to preserve the cultural heritage of Black farmers in Minnesota.

Funding Source and Administration

• Funding source: Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• Recipient for grant administration: Commissioner of Administration.
• Grant recipient: Minnesota Black Farmers Association.

Projects and Locations

• Use of grant funds to develop and build greenhouses at:
  • Mahogany Farm in Mora
  • Frog Tree Farm in Verndale
  • The 40 Acre Coop in Sandstone
• Goals of projects:
  • Foster a new generation of culturally aware farmers
  • Enhance understanding of sustainable farming practices
  • Create and support community hubs for cultural and educational programming
• Grant funds may also be used to improve the farmhouse at Mahogany Farm.

Timeline

• Applicable fiscal years: 2026 and 2027.

Significance

• Aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Black farmers in Minnesota through hands-on farming projects, education, and community programming.

Relevant Terms arts and cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Black Farmers Association, Black farmers, cultural heritage, Mahogany Farm, Mora, Frog Tree Farm, Verndale, 40 Acre Coop, Sandstone, greenhouses, sustainable farming practices, community hubs, cultural and educational programming, farmhouse improvements, commissioner of administration, grants, appropriation, fiscal year 2026, fiscal year 2027