Nine Sustainable Agriculture Projects Receive Funding

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grants (SustAg) totaling $241,009 to nine farmers and researchers across Minnesota.

The grants are featured in the new Greenbook, which is now available. Projects will explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, and personally satisfying. The program has granted more than $4.2 million to Minnesota farmers over its 29-year history.

“I’ve been a long-time supporter of these programs and believe the projects presented here are great examples of the innovative ideas Minnesota farmers and researchers are exploring and testing to make farming in Minnesota more productive and sustainable,” Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said.

All projects take place on Minnesota farms and are summarized in the annual Greenbook, now available at www.mda.state.mn.us/greenbook or by contacting Alison Fish at 651-201-6012 or alison.fish@state.mn.us.

Annual and final progress reports of grantees announced during the past three years are also included in the Greenbook. Results of new grantees’ projects will be included in future Greenbook publications.

Projects, which last two to three years, are located in all regions of the state and involve several innovative topics that include cover cropping, soil fertility, fruits and vegetables, alternative markets or specialty crops, livestock, and energy. Applications for the next round of SustAg grants are being accepted until 4 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2019.

Projects from farmers receive priority, but nonprofit and educational organizations are also invited to apply.

Projects may receive funding up to $50,000. Full details and the online application are available at www.mda.state.mn.us/sustagdemogrant.