By Scout Nelson
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner announced the launch of the Green Fertilizer Grant Program during the Green Ammonia Summit on December 10 in Morris. The program aims to promote green ammonia as a sustainable solution for decarbonizing agriculture while fostering rural economic growth.
The Green Ammonia Summit brought together over 115 leaders from agriculture, energy, government, and business to discuss the role of green ammonia in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainable practices. Green ammonia, produced using renewable energy, significantly lowers the carbon footprint of nitrogen fertilizer, which accounts for up to 2% of global emissions.
“Green ammonia provides an opportunity to capture the economic benefits of fertilizer production and keep them within rural communities,” said a University of Minnesota research leader. Local production not only reduces environmental impact but also creates jobs and supports the younger generation entering farming.
Legislators emphasised the importance of cooperative models to ensure economic benefits are distributed equitably. “Employing this technology through cooperatives will create greater economic vitality and rejuvenation for rural Minnesota,” said the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
The keynote speaker highlighted that local green ammonia production can enhance economic resilience in rural areas. The summit underscored the critical role of innovative technologies in transforming agriculture and supporting rural communities.
The Minnesota Farmers Union, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting farmers and rural economies, played a pivotal role in hosting the event and advocating for sustainable solutions like green ammonia. This initiative promises a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture in Minnesota.
Photo Credit:fertilizer-spreader
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Energy, Government & Policy