Apply for Sustainable Ag Grant Program

Minnesota farmers have until January 11, 2013 to apply for Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grants that can help offset the costs of on-farm innovations and/or research.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will award grants of up to $25,000 for projects such as fruit and vegetable production, livestock production systems, conservation tillage and weed management, organic farming, and alternative energy crop production.

The MDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program promotes environmental stewardship and conservation of resources and strives to improve profitability and quality of life on farms and in rural areas. Many Minnesota farmers and researchers have been able to develop new concepts into viable production practices with the help of these grants.

Eligible recipients include Minnesota farmers, individuals at Minnesota educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and local natural resource agencies. Priority is given to projects that are farmer initiated. All non-farmer initiated projects must show significant collaboration with farmers.

Grant applications are available on the MDA website at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/demogrant.aspx or by contacting the Agricultural Marketing and Development Division at 651-201-6012. Completed applications must be received by MDA no later than January 11, 2013.

These and other grant projects are highlighted in the Greenbook, which is free and available atwww.mda.state.mn.us/greenbook.