The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has $1.5 million available to applicants for applied crop research grants through the Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation (AGRI) Program.

The maximum grant award is $250,000 per project, which may last up to three years.

Crop research projects must focus on improving agricultural product quality, quantity and value. Projects must benefit Minnesota farmers and the state’s economy in the next three to five years.

Farmers, institutions of higher education, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, agricultural cooperatives and agricultural businesses with research capabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications for the fiscal year 2018 grants must be received by 4 p.m. Nov. 22 and may be submitted to the MDA by mail, email or in person.

For more information and to apply online for the crop research grants, visit the AGRI Crop Research Grant webpage.

Livestock investment grants
Also under the AGRI program, livestock producers may apply for a portion of $1.9 million in Livestock Investment Grants. Funds may be used for on-farm improvements.

Last year, 105 livestock farmers received grants to improve their operations.

With Livestock Investment Grant funds awarded during the 2017 fiscal year, Jordan Daugherty of Raymond purchased feeding and fencing equipment, which will enable him to raise more sheep.

In Hartland, Minn., Brady Jensen used grant funds to construct a 2,400-head swine facility to increase profitability and allow a young farmer to start farming full time.

Joseph Hemmesch of Paynesville, Minn., used the grant funds to update a manure pit and feeding equipment, and add more stalls to his barn. These improvements will help grow his dairy herd and protect the environment.

Qualifying producers are reimbursed 10% of the first $500,000 of investment, with a minimum investment of $4,000. Qualifying expenditures include the purchase, construction or improvement of livestock buildings or facilities. Fencing, feeding and waste management equipment also are eligible. Producers who suffered a loss due to natural disaster also may apply.

The grant will not pay for livestock, land purchases or debt refinancing.

Projects must begin after Jan. 1, 2018.

Past applicants who did not receive an award must reapply for the 2018 program. Applications for beginning farmers, farmers transitioning into livestock and those with a positive environmental impact receive priority.

For more information and to apply online for the livestock investment grants, visit the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant webpage.The application deadline is Dec. 15.

The AGRI Program was created by the Minnesota Legislature to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy industries. The AGRI Program focuses on creating jobs and profitable businesses in the areas of livestock investment, value-added business and market development, crop production and processing research, and renewable energy.

Source: MDA