New Grants for Sustainable Crop Growth

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is inviting applications for its Developing Markets for Continuous Living Cover (CLC) Crops Grant. This funding supports the growth of businesses, supply chains, and markets that promote continuous living cover systems in Minnesota.

Continuous living cover systems keep living plants and roots in the ground all year. These systems may include perennial forage and biomass crops, perennial grains like Kernza®, regenerative silvopasture poultry systems, elderberry, American hazelnuts, and winter camelina.

These agricultural practices offer multiple environmental benefits. They help improve soil and water quality, increase biodiversity, support pollinator habitats, and store carbon in the soil. However, for these benefits to reach scale, stronger markets and value chains must be established.

The grant is part of the Minnesota Climate Smart Food Systems (CSFS) Initiative. The current round is the fourth call for proposals. Past projects under this initiative can be reviewed on the Developing Markets for CLC Crops webpage.

The MDA is looking for proposals that focus on early-stage development of CLC-based supply chains and markets. Eligible activities may include building or improving equipment, storage, and processing systems for CLC crops, as well as business and market development strategies.

Organizations eligible to apply must be based in Minnesota and can include companies, governments, tribal entities, partnerships, and other community associations. Each proposal must focus on promoting continuous living cover agriculture.

Funding ranges from $10,000 to $100,000. All proposals will go through a competitive review process.

Applications must be submitted through the MDA’s online system by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on Monday, July 9, 2025.

“Significant environmental benefits from these crops will result from widespread production, which requires robust value chains and markets,” the MDA stated.

This funding opportunity supports sustainable agriculture and a cleaner environment.

Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture