The Energy & Sustainable Agriculture Program was established in 1987 in response to concerns over the impact of conventional agricultural practices on farm profitability, health and the environment. The purpose of the program is to demonstrate and promote alternative practices which are energy efficient, environmentally sound, profitable and which enhance the self-sufficiency of Minnesota farmers.
" . . . committed to the economic, environmental and societal well-being of Minnesota farms."
Vision - Agriculture in Minnesota will be based on dynamic, flexible farming systems that are profitable, efficient, productive and founded on ethics of land stewardship and responsibility for the continuing vitality of local rural communities. Minnesotans will strive to understand and respect the complex interconnectedness of living systems, from soil to people, so as to protect and enhance all natural resources for future generations. Minnesota agriculture will sustain an abundance of food and other products as well as meaningful, self-directed employment that supports the quality of life desired by farmers and rural communities. Agriculture will foster diversity in all its forms of production, products, markets and cultures.
Mission - To work toward the goal of sustainability for Minnesota agriculture by designing and implementing programs that meet the identified needs and support the creativity of Minnesota farmers.
The Demonstration Grant Program provides funds for farmers, agricultural researchers, educators and non-profit groups to explore innovative and creative ways to enhance the sustainability of a wide range of farming systems. Grants of up to $25,000 are awarded on a competitive basis for up to three year demonstration projects. Projects have demonstrated management intensive grazing, diversified cropping systems, soil fertility and manure management, alternative weed management, low-capital beginning farmer strategies, marketing and specialty crop opportunities.
Please Note: There are 2 Parts to the Grant Application:
- Part I - 2010 Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program Overview (PDF: 75 KB / 8 pages)
- Part II - 2010 Grant Application Form (DOC: 454 KB / 15 pages) - this fillable Word document can be typed into and saved on your computer.
In order to correctly fill out the Grant Application, prospective applicants will need to read Part I and fill-in Part II.
Download the evaluation profile (PDF: 17 KB / 1 page) and score sheet (PDF: 32 KB / 1 page) that is used by the independent panel who review the grant applications and make funding recommendations.
Shared Savings Loan Program
A $1 million revolving fund provides loans to farmers to support the transition to sustainable practices. Loans of up to $40,000 per farmer at a 3% interest rate enable farmers to purchase equipment or make other improvements to enhance profitability and the environment. Applications are accepted year round and are competitively reviewed by a loan review panel three to four times per year. Loan Application
On-Farm Research
The Program directs on-farm research efforts in practical farming alternatives. In cooperation with agricultural professionals, researchers and participating farmers, the Program conducts farm-scale research on such topics as the contribution of green manures, livestock manure and compost to soil quality, organic transition methods, non-chemical weed control, and forage species performance.
Conservation Reserve Program Project
ESAP started the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Project in 1994 to identify the CRP lands most critical to preserving Minnesota's soil and water quality and to provide contract holders with information on post-CRP land management alternatives. Products include 1) the Minnesota CRP Information Series, a set of 12 fact sheets on post-CRP options and issues (free); and, 2) the Minnesota CRP GIS Database, a statewide and county mapping and database tool for analyzing lands enrolled in CRP (available to conservation agencies and organizations on a limited basis).
Integrated Pest Management
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program is concerned with developing and implementing state-wide strategies for the increased use of IPM on private and state managed lands. Integrated pest management is a component of ecosystem management. It incorporates the many aspects of plant health care/crop protection in ways that mitigate harmful environmental impacts. IPM is a balanced approach which recognizes that we can live with a certain amount of pest damage and still produce an acceptable product, be it a crop or an urban landscape.
Organic Farming
Organic foods continue to be the fastest growing sector of the food industry both domestically and abroad. Wondering what it takes to convert and produce for this market? Contact our experienced program staff for technical assistance and advice on conversion to organic methods, certification and marketing of crops and livestock.
Publications (free of charge)
The Greenbook, annual summary of ESAP activities, grant project reports, and invited essays; Sustainable Agriculture and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Resource and Information Directory (PDF: 626 KB / 39 pages), sustainable agriculture organizations and programs in Minnesota and surrounding states; Guide Book, information for farmers making the transition to sustainable systems; The Profitability of Four Sustainable Farms in Minnesota, 1994, case studies examining the economics, environmental impacts and concerns of four successful sustainable farms; Sustainable Agriculture Report, 1994, an assessment of the sustainability of Minnesota Agriculture; Assessing The Soil System (PDF: 635 KB / 71 pages), a review of current soil quality literature; Conservation Reserve Program Information Series, fact sheets to help landowners evaluate post-CRP land management options; The Status of Organic Agriculture; video and audio tapes and print material are also available for loan.
Field Days, Workshops and Speakers
The program sponsors workshops and field days on diverse topics with farmer, agency, academic, non-profit and local partners. Field days offer a first hand look at successful, working, sustainable farms primarily in cooperation with grant recipients. Workshops and forums offer opportunities for information gathering and an exchange of ideas. Program staff are available as speakers, moderators or facilitators for meetings or other gatherings.
Farmer Planning Meetings
We are currently holding farmer forums on a variety of topics such as soil health/soil building, farming systems, and farm planning. These forums are a platform for farmers to share experiences in farm planning and decision making.
Program Staff
Resources:
MDA Contact
Mary Hanks, Program Supervisor
Mary.Hanks@state.mn.us
651-201-6277
Agricultural Development & Financial Assistance Division
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