The application period for this program is closed.
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 2025.
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.
Applying
The application period for this program closed on December 12, 2024. Details on this page and in the AGRI SustAg Grant Request for Proposals (PDF) apply to the past round of funding.
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
