Minnesota Promotes Innovation in Sustainable Farming

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is inviting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant. This program supports farmer-led research and demonstration projects that focus on sustainability, profitability, and efficient use of resources.

The grants are open to Minnesota farmers, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. All applicants must be Minnesota residents, with priority given to projects led directly by farmers. Projects must take place on Minnesota farms and contribute to innovative solutions that can be shared with other farmers across the state.

One of the key requirements of the program is that grantees share their findings in the MDA’s annual Greenbook. This publication highlights farmer-led innovations, management practices, and real-world experiences, offering valuable guidance to other producers considering similar practices.

Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2025. The MDA anticipates awarding up to $350,000 in total funding, with applicants able to request up to $50,000 per project. The first $25,000 does not require a financial match, but requests above that amount must include dollar-for-dollar matching funds.

Past projects funded by the program have included farm diversification, cover crops, crop rotation, livestock grazing for invasive species management, and non-chemical pest control. While projects do not need to be entirely new, they must be innovative to Minnesota or uncommon in the region where they are proposed.

Funding for this grant is part of the AGRI Program, which provides financial support to strengthen Minnesota agriculture and renewable energy. By encouraging experimentation and sharing results, the program helps farmers explore practical methods to build a more sustainable future for farming in the state.

Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture