[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”underline solid” sep_color=”#000000″ margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program now available[/title][fusion_text]Tuesday, September 1st 2015
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announces a new round of funding for the Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program. This 25-year old program provides small grants to test ideas that could conserve natural resources, enhance profitability, and improve life on the farm. Nearly $250,000 is available and applications are due in December. “Farmers are great innovators and always looking for ways to do things better, but sometimes the risk of trying something new acts as a barrier,” said MDA Program Administrator Julie LaClair. “These grants make it possible for farmers to test out an idea before adopting it whole hog.” Outside reviewers rank and recommend projects for funding. Applications from farmers receive priority, but the program also funds Minnesota nonprofit and educational organizations as long as Minnesota farmers are meaningfully involved in the project. Projects can last up to three years, and applicants may receive up to $25,000 for their projects, although many request less. Grantees must be willing to share what they learn with others. Since 1989, the MDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program has awarded more than $3 million to 300 statewide projects. Current and past grant projects are highlighted in the Greenbook: www.mda.state.mn.us/greenbook. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2015. More information and application materials are available at: www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/demogrant.aspx or by calling 651-201-6012.
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