County Fair Grants
County Fair Grants support Minnesota county fairs with agricultural improvements, education displays, and arts and heritage activities to preserve agriculture and expand access to Minnesota culture.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: February 26, 2026, at 4 p.m. CT (FY 2026 applications) | November 19, 2026, at 4 p.m. CT (FY 2027 applications)
Funding Amounts: FY 2027: up to $10,700 per fair (AGRI, up to three years) and $4,780 (Legacy, through June 30, 2028)
Summary: Supports Minnesota county fairs with projects preserving agriculture and expanding access to Minnesota arts, history, and cultural heritage.
Key Information: Vendor contracts and payments made before the grant contract is fully executed and effective are not reimbursable.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) administers County Fair Grants using Minnesota Legislature funding through the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation Program (AGRI) and the Legacy Amendment. County agricultural societies can apply for either or both grant types. Funding is awarded through a noncompetitive review process, with equal shares available to the state’s county fairs.
AGRI supports projects that preserve and promote Minnesota agriculture, including livestock barn improvements, sound equipment for judging, sanitation stations, fans, and agricultural education displays. Legacy supports access to Minnesota arts and agricultural, historical, and cultural heritage through activities such as spinning demonstrations, pottery workshops, antique farming displays, and Minnesota performances. Legacy-funded activities must add to or enhance traditional programming rather than replace it.
