Key Takeaways:
- The Green Fertilizer Grant Program will fund agricultural and rural electric cooperatives in Minnesota for green fertilizer manufacturing projects.
- Funding ranges from $250,000 to $6.67 million for business-ready and shovel-ready projects.
- Applications open on December 18, 2024, and are due by March 18, 2025.
- Projects must use renewable energy, such as wind or solar, to produce green fertilizers.
- The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stabilize fertilizer prices and supply for Minnesota farmers.
Green Fertilizer Grant Program Overview
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced the Green Fertilizer Grant Program at the Green Ammonia Summit in Morris, MN. Designed to promote sustainability in agriculture, the program will provide financial support to agricultural and rural electric cooperatives registered in Minnesota.
Key Details:
- Applications will be accepted starting December 18, 2024, and must be submitted by March 18, 2025.
- Grants will range from $250,000 to $6.67 million for qualifying projects.
- Projects must demonstrate business readiness or be shovel-ready and have long-term offtake agreements between the cooperative and the green fertilizer production facility.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Renewable Energy Use: Green fertilizer must be produced using electrolyzers powered by wind or solar energy or directly connected to such facilities.
- Best Management Practices Training: Cooperatives must undergo training on green fertilizer use.
- Environmental Impact: Projects should aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil-fuel-based nitrogen fertilizers with green alternatives.
For full eligibility requirements, applicants can refer to the Request for Proposal (RFP) available on the Green Fertilizer Program Grant webpage.
Support for Local Fertilizer Production
The program aims to support local fertilizer production, offering benefits such as stabilized prices and reliable supplies for farmers. Commissioner Thom Petersen highlighted the initiative’s potential: “By incorporating renewable energy in the ag sector, local fertilizer production will provide stable prices and supplies. Minnesota can be a leader by supporting new technologies like green fertilizer as well as support new opportunities for our farmers.”
Climate and Sustainability Benefits
Green nitrogen-based fertilizers, produced with renewable energy, offer significant environmental benefits compared to fossil-fuel-derived fertilizers. The program aligns with Minnesota’s broader goals of promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector.
How to Apply With The Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Interested cooperatives can access detailed instructions and eligibility requirements on the Green Fertilizer Program Grant webpage.