Minnesota Department of Agriculture Unveils Sustainable Agriculture Grants

Key Takeaways

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) offers grants for sustainable agriculture research.
The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program will award up to $350,000.
Applicants can request up to $50,000 per project, with the first $25,000 not requiring a match.
Past grants have supported projects in cover crops, conservation tillage, and alternative energies.
Applications are open until 4 p.m. on December 7, 2023, with funding to be awarded in early 2024.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened applications for its Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program. The initiative aims to fund innovative projects that focus on the energy efficiency, environmental benefits, or profitability of sustainable agricultural practices. A total of $350,000 will be awarded through a competitive review process.

Grant Details

Applicants, including Minnesota farmers, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, can request up to $50,000 per project. The first $25,000 grant does not require a matching applicant contribution. However, for requests between $25,000 and $50,000, a dollar-for-dollar match is required for the amount exceeding $25,000.

Past Achievements

The grant program has a history of funding a diverse range of projects. These include research into cover crops and crop rotation, conservation tillage, input reduction strategies, integrated pest management, and alternative energy sources like wind, methane, and biomass.

Project Duration and Sharing of Knowledge

Projects funded by the grant are expected to last between two to three years and must be conducted on Minnesota farms. Importantly, grantees are required to share their findings with the public. The results of these projects are published annually in the MDA’s Greenbook, which provides summaries, management tips, and other resources.

Funding Source

The AGRI Program, responsible for administering these grants, aims to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors. It offers grants to farmers and agribusinesses, schools, and other organizations throughout the state.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Funding decisions will be made in early 2024. Interested parties can visit the AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant webpage for more information and application details.

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