By Scout Nelson
The University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension Office is inviting Minnesota farmers to collaborate in a pioneering agricultural project. Through their Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (RSDP), U of M Extension is offering a $25,000 grant towards constructing a farm-scale deep winter greenhouse (DWG).
DWGs, a breakthrough in sustainable farming, are designed to cultivate crops during cold winter months with minimal traditional energy use. They utilize passive solar energy, capturing sunlight through specially angled walls, and store the heat in a thermal mass of rock to maintain warmth during the night.
This innovative approach is ideal for growing crops that require minimal light, such as lettuce, herbs, and sprouts. U of M Extension aims to promote these greenhouses as a viable option for winter farming.
The grant opportunity is open to farmers across five Greater Minnesota regions. The selection process is competitive, seeking applicants with a clear production and market plan. Whether it's salad greens, tomatoes, or other crops, the initiative encourages creative and out-of-the-box ideas.
Selected farmers will collaborate with U of M Extension for research and educational demonstrations over three years. Zachary Paige, the Sustainable Ag and Food Systems Program Coordinator at Northwest RSDP, emphasizes the importance of a market plan and the potential for innovative crop production.
The deadline for applications is February 14th at 5 pm. This grant is part of the Agriculture Research, Education, Extension, and Technology Transfer (AGREETT) program, supported by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
For more information and access to the application form, interested farmers can visit this link.
This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in Minnesota, offering farmers an opportunity to explore innovative farming techniques while contributing to the state's agricultural diversity and resilience.
Photo Credit: university-of-minnesota
Categories: Minnesota, Education, Rural Lifestyle