By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has awarded nearly 500000 dollars in grants to support eight projects that promote continuous living cover crops across the state. The funding is provided through the Developing Markets for Continuous Living Cover Grant program.
This investment is designed to help early-stage businesses and value chains grow crops and cropping systems that keep living roots in the soil throughout the year. These systems play an important role in climate smart agriculture and long-term sustainability.
Funding for the program comes from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as part of the Minnesota Climate Smart Food Systems initiative. The effort is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Continuous living cover is one of the most promising strategies we have for building a more resilient agricultural future in Minnesota,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Peterson. “These investments will help farmers, entrepreneurs, and supply-chain partners bring innovative crops and systems to market, strengthening rural economies while protecting our soil, water, and climate. Minnesota is proud to support the early-stage work that turns good ideas into real-world solutions.”
Continuous living cover systems focus on keeping soil protected year-round. These systems include winter cover crops planted between main crops, perennial forage crops, agroforestry systems, perennial biomass crops, and perennial grains. Popular examples include winter camelina, Kernza perennial grain, elderberry plantings, and regenerative silvopasture systems.
Research shows that these crops improve soil structure, reduce erosion, improve water quality, store carbon in the soil, and support wildlife and pollinators. However, wider adoption depends on strong markets that connect growers with processors and buyers.
The funded projects aim to close this gap by strengthening supply chains, supporting product development, and creating new market opportunities. By building demand and infrastructure, the program helps ensure these systems can move from small trials to commercial scale.
More information is available at https://www.mda.state.mn.us, https://www.pca.state.mn.us, and https://www.epa.gov
Photo Credit: minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Crops, Energy, Government & Policy