Funding helps farmers test new ideas
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds Minnesota farmers and others of the upcoming application deadline for the Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program on Dec. 15, 2015.
This grant program provides funding to test ideas with the potential to conserve natural resources and energy, enhance profitability, and improve life on the farm. All funded projects are summarized in the MDA?Äôs annual Greenbook publication: www.mda.state.mn.us/greenbook, which is an excellent resource for potential applicants.
Farmers receive priority, but the program also funds Minnesota nonprofit and educational organizations, as long as Minnesota farmers are meaningfully involved in the project. The program is intended to help people try new things: while applicants should be optimistic about their idea, they don?Äôt have to guarantee success.
Projects can last up to three years, and applicants may receive up to $25,000, although many applicants request less. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15, 2015. Funds will be available in the spring of 2016.
Application materials are available at: www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/demogrant.aspx, or by calling (651) 201-6012.