The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant (SustAg) supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. SustAg projects explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable or resource-efficient. We publish these findings in our annual Greenbook.
Eligibility and funding priorities
Eligible applicants include:
- Minnesota farmers
- Educational institutions or individuals at educational institutions
- Organizations such as nonprofits, agricultural cooperatives, tribal governments, and local units of government
Note: Non-farmer applicants must meaningfully involve a Minnesota farmer in the project.
We fund projects that explore the profitability, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture practices or systems. Project examples can include, but are not limited to:
- Increased environmental sustainability and improved soil health
- Conservation tillage and weed management
- Novel cover crops and crop rotations
- Nutrient and pesticide management, including runoff protection
- Farm-based energy efficiency or production such as wind, methane, or biomass
- Integrated pest management systems for insects, weeds, and diseases
- Seed breeding or conservation
- Livestock production systems or management strategies
- Developing or improving marketing opportunities, including season extension and post-harvest storage and handling
- Novel enterprise diversification, including organic production, using traditional and non-traditional crops and livestock
- Other creative ideas that address farm input reduction or management, conservation, energy, or profitability
We will prioritize projects that:
- Are led by farmers.
- Benefit a wide range of farmers.
Amount available
We expect to award up to $350,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.
You may request up to $50,000 per project. For requests between $25,000 and $50,000, you must provide a dollar-for-dollar match on the amount above $25,000.
How to apply
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
- Carefully read the AGRI SustAg Demonstration Grant FY27 Request for Proposals (PDF) for program eligibility requirements, priorities, and scoring criteria.
- We will accept only one application per entity type, e.g., farmer, educational institution, or organization.
- Apply for the AGRI FY 27 Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant using our online application system.
- If you’re a new user, you need to create an account first.
- Once logged in, select “Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant FY27.”
- After you’ve submitted your application, you should receive a confirmation email. If you don’t, contact us.
Note: Late applications will not be accepted. Apply early so you have time to get help. For help using the online application system:
- Call 651-201-6500.
- Email MDA.AGRIGrants@state.mn.us with “SustAg Grant Online Application Help” in the subject line.
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
