Minnesota Grown is happy to offer two cost-share programs to support Minnesota Grown members with marketing costs. Follow the links below to learn more about each of these opportunities. Not a member? Learn about eligibility and how to join.
Labeling and Signage Cost-Share
If you are developing a new label, tag, bag, box or permanent sign and would like to add the Minnesota Grown logo directly into your packaging or signage design, you may be eligible to receive 50% back on your design and printing costs, up to $300 in the current fiscal year. To take advantage of the program:
- Pick a professional printer who works best for your printing needs.
- Send a short description of your project and your current Minnesota Grown logo license number to mngrown.mda@state.mn.us to receive eligibility approval, logo use guidelines, and get electronic copies of the logo files. You can find your license number using MDA's Licensing Information Search. Select Minnesota Grown Labeling from the License Type box.
- Complete the project with your printer and have the printer include a final invoice showing proof of payment received from you for the project.
- Gather your documentation. You will need to upload the following with your application:
- Photos or mock-ups of all items included on the application, showing incorporation of the Minnesota Grown Logo.
- Proof of payment (receipts or invoices from the vendor showing a payment and zero balance) for expenses paid during the eligible period. If you don’t have receipts, you can send a copy of the invoice AND a canceled check or credit card statement showing payment to the vendor with account and other private information redacted.
- Apply through our online application system.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you are logged in, select Minnesota Grown Labeling & Signage Cost-Share (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025)
- If this is your first time applying for reimbursement, you must also submit a W-9 (Request for Taxpayer ID and Certification): Within the application system, complete the online W-9 Power Form hosted by DocuSign, our secure signing system. Download the completed form and upload it to the online applications system.
- Include all required documentation and answer all required application questions.
- You will receive an automated confirmation email when you have submitted your application.
- Let Minnesota Grown know if you followed these steps but haven't seen that reimbursement check arrive in the mail within 2-3 weeks. Staff will also proactively reach out to you if they need any clarification on the documents you uploaded.
For more information, see our frequently asked questions below or contact mngrown.mda@state.mn.us with questions.
Participation in this program is based on fund availability throughout the fiscal year and is available to all members with qualifying projects on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Labeling and Signage Cost-Share Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I send the application?
You can submit application materials electronically using the link above.
When is the application and supporting documentation due?
Applications are processed as they come in, until funds run out for the fiscal year. The fiscal year runs July 1- June 30 each year. Applications must be submitted in the same fiscal year the expenses were incurred. After July 15, we can no longer accept applications for expenses incurred June 30 or before in the previous fiscal year.
Do I need to be a Minnesota Grown member to apply for this program?
Yes, you need to have a current/valid Minnesota Grown License to participate. (This is an 8-digit number, beginning with 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _.) You can find your license number using MDA's Licensing Information Search. Select Minnesota Grown Labeling from the License Type box.
How much am I eligible to receive?
Reimbursement depend on the total cost of designing and printing your labels or signage that features the Minnesota Grown label. This program reimburses 50% of qualifying design/printing costs, up to a maximum reimbursement of $300 per fiscal year, while funds last. The fiscal year runs from July 1 - June 30 of each year.
Where can I find a W-9 form?
Please download a W-9 form information at the link in the online application system. Complete the W-9, save the document and upload it to the online application system.
When can I expect payment?
Requests are processed continuously, as long as funds are available. Please allow up to 10 business days for processing the application. You can expect a check from MDA 2-3 weeks after your application has been approved.
Where can I find the Minnesota Grown label artwork?
Please contact mngrown.mda@state.mn.us for files. You may convert the logo into any color you wish, but the logo must be legible from a reasonable distance for the size of packaging or signage you are creating. The logo shape should not be altered.
Is my project eligible?
Most packaging (labels, bags, boxes, tags) and permanent signs will be eligible. Items like business cards, direct mail pieces, online or paper advertisements, clothing, or flyers are not eligible.
What about demonstrations, tradeshows or sampling?
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has support for small to medium-sized Minnesota food companies, farmers and ranchers who add value to their products, agricultural cooperatives, and others, to investigate new markets by attending and participating in more local, regional and international wholesale food events, and do more retail product sampling events (demos). Please see Sampling Cost-Share/ Tradeshow Support Program for more information.
What about my privacy?
Under state law, we must provide demographic information (like name and address) if asked. We do not release private information, such as social security numbers. We are happy to connect you with the MDA Data Practices manager if you have any questions.