By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for $1.4 million in funding through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC) grant program. The funding will support research, education, and technology transfer projects that promote agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability across Minnesota.
The grants are intended to advance work in areas such as agricultural fertility, regenerative agriculture, and water-quality protection. Through these investments, the program aims to help farmers, researchers, and agricultural organizations develop practical solutions to current agricultural challenges.
Funding is available to a broad range of applicants, including researchers, farmers, businesses, Tribal entities, nonprofit organizations, and local government units. Applicants must have agricultural research capabilities and be authorized to conduct business within Minnesota.
Eligible projects should focus on fertilizer production and application, soil amendments, plant amendments, regenerative farming practices, or water-quality improvement. These priority areas are intended to support healthier soils, better nutrient management, and reduced environmental impacts.
A requirement of the grant program is that all funded projects include an outreach component. Recipients must demonstrate how research findings and recommendations will be shared with agricultural producers or urban fertilizer users.
The MDA encourages applicants to review the AFREC Request for Proposals (RFP) carefully and align their projects with established funding priorities. Strong proposals are expected to combine research, practical implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
Eligible applicants include individual researchers, farmer networks, colleges and universities, research institutions, agricultural cooperatives, agribusinesses, nonprofit organizations, local government agencies, Tribal organizations, and Tribal sovereign nations.
The grant program reflects Minnesota’s ongoing commitment to supporting agricultural innovation while protecting natural resources. AFREC funding is intended to encourage new technologies and management strategies that improve both farm productivity and environmental stewardship.
Applications must be submitted through the online application system by 4 p.m. CST on November 25, 2026. Questions regarding the Request for Proposals may be submitted through November 4, 2026, with responses posted on the AFREC Questions and Answers page.
Through this funding opportunity, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture hopes to support research-driven solutions that improve soil health, enhance fertilizer management, protect water quality, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Minnesota agriculture.
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Photo Credit: minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture