Minnesota offers grants for sustainable farm projects

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant, which supports innovative, sustainability-focused research and demonstration projects on Minnesota farms. This grant aims to enhance energy efficiency, environmental benefits, and profitability of sustainable agricultural techniques, covering all stages from production to marketing.

Eligible applicants include Minnesota farmers and representatives from organizations such as agricultural cooperatives, educational institutions, nonprofits, tribal governments, and local government units like Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The grant is designed to test and demonstrate on-farm practices that can benefit a wide range of farmers across the state.

Past projects funded by this grant have explored diverse topics, including cover crops, crop rotation, conservation tillage, pest management, input reduction strategies, and alternative energy sources like wind, methane, and biomass. Each project provides valuable insights that help advance sustainable farming practices.

The MDA will award approximately $350,000 in this grant round, with applicants able to request up to $50,000 per project. No cash match is required for projects requesting less than $25,000. For those requesting between $25,000 and $50,000, a dollar-for-dollar match is necessary. Projects are expected to run for two to three years, and grantees must share their findings through outreach efforts.

Project results, management tips, and updates are published annually in the MDA’s Greenbook, which serves as a resource for other farmers and stakeholders interested in sustainable farming practices.

Applications for the AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant are being accepted until 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Interested applicants can visit the grant webpage to apply and access the full request for proposals (RFP).

Funding for this grant is provided through the MDA’s AGRI Program, which supports Minnesota’s agricultural sector by offering grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and other entities, promoting advancements in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

Photo Credits:minnesota-department-of-agriculture