Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened applications for its Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant. The grant program is designed to support on-farm research and demonstration projects that aim to improve farm profitability and resource efficiency.

Eligible applicants include Minnesota farmers, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. All applicants must be residents of Minnesota, with preference given to farmer-led initiatives. Projects funded by the grant must take place on farms within the state.

Grant recipients are required to share their project results through final reports published in the MDA’s annual Greenbook. This publication features a range of farmer-led projects and offers technical information, management tips, and personal observations from participants.

Applications for the grant are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2025. The MDA expects to distribute up to $350,000 through this round of funding. Applicants can request up to $50,000 per project; no matching funds are needed for the first $25,000 requested. For requests between $25,000 and $50,000, a dollar-for-dollar match is required for the amount above $25,000.

Past recipients have investigated various sustainable practices such as crop diversification, use of cover crops and crop rotation strategies, non-chemical pest control methods, and livestock grazing for managing invasive plants. While proposals do not need to introduce entirely new ideas or technologies, they should present approaches that are innovative or uncommon in Minnesota or in the region where they will be implemented.

Funding for these grants comes from the AGRI Program at MDA. This program provides financial support to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and other groups across Minnesota with the goal of advancing agricultural productivity and renewable energy efforts statewide.

For more information about past projects supported by this grant program or details on how to apply for current funding opportunities through the AGRI Program at MDA: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri

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