Here are previous recipients of the AGRI Works Grant, listed by fiscal year (FY).
Fiscal Year 2026 Grantees
Center for Rural Policy & Development
The Center for Rural Policy and Development will hire a Rural Policy Analyst to conduct coordinated, data-driven research on Minnesota’s clean energy transition and its impacts on rural communities. By analyzing reliability risks, economic shifts, land use changes, and policy uncertainties, the analyst will provide independent, empirical research to support rural leaders and policymakers. The project will produce multiple reports and convenings to help communities make informed decisions about siting, workforce transitions, and infrastructure planning.
GreenSeam
GreenSeam will strengthen southern Minnesota’s agriculture and rural communities through integrated research, education, and industry development initiatives that address workforce needs, entrepreneurship, and business retention. The project includes publishing a report of industry opportunities and challenges, hosting innovation workshops, conducting business retention visits, offering employer trainings, and convening hundreds of stakeholders at the Rural Forum. Together, these strategies will help build resilience, expand markets, grow talent pipelines, and ensure long-term economic vitality in Minnesota’s agribusiness sector.
Latino Economic Development Center
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) will create an outreach and education program to help Minnesota’s Emerging Farmers understand and adopt regenerative agricultural practices while accessing resources, capital, and land tenure needed to succeed. Through technical assistance, business development, and capital access, LEDC will support historically excluded farmers in implementing regenerative systems and scaling their operations. This project strengthens rural development by providing research, workshops, and comprehensive support so emerging farmers can build sustainable, resilient farm businesses.
Minnesota Turf Seed Council
The Minnesota Turf Seed Council will support turf grass seed research, education, and outreach at the University of Minnesota’s Magnusson Research Farm, Minnesota’s northern most research station conducting field research trials for not only turf seed but also for soybeans, wheat, barley, hybrid rye, Kernza, camelina and canola. Funding will sustain applied agronomic research, collaborative grower-University partnerships, and educational events such as field days and the annual Grass Seed Institute. This project ensures continued advancement in perennial ryegrass and other specialty crops essential to northern Minnesota’s agricultural systems, wildlife habitat, soil protection, and rural economies.
Northern Crops Institute
The Northern Crops Institute will deliver short courses and on-demand training for international buyers and Minnesota stakeholders that highlight the quality of northern-grown crops, procurement strategies, and risk management. By bringing 75–100 international visitors annually to Minnesota, the project strengthens market relationships and increases global purchases of regional crops. Funding will support staff responsible for these programs, continuing long-standing multi-state collaboration and driving expanded agricultural markets.
Renewing the Countryside
Renewing the Countryside will train and support four Regional Local Food Coordinators who will help farmers, food hubs, and institutional buyers—such as schools and early care centers—overcome obstacles to purchasing local food. Coordinators will convene “muddling sessions,” provide facilitation, and offer guidance on regulations, food safety, liability, and Child Nutrition Program requirements. This project strengthens farm to school and farm to early care systems, increases farmer income, and enhances rural economies by expanding wholesale market channels for local food.
Southwest Regional Development Commission
The Southwest Regional Development Commission will support the Southern Minnesota Growers Collaborative by providing technical assistance, training, and a regional platform for peer learning that expands market access and strengthens local food systems. The project addresses persistent barriers faced by small and emerging farmers—including limited land access, market channels, and coordinated networks—by establishing a producer-focused regional network. Through mentoring, outreach, business training, and value-chain coordination, this effort will enhance agricultural resilience and rural economic development across Southwest Minnesota.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s FEAST! Local Foods Network, in partnership with Renewing the Countryside, strengthens Minnesota’s local food economy by helping small and mid-size farmers and foodmakers access new markets through training, technical assistance, a public festival, and a business-to-business tradeshow. By increasing visibility, building skills, and connecting producers with buyers, FEAST expands economic opportunity and supports vibrant rural communities. Its curated events and year-round programming promote a resilient, sustainable regional food system and increase consumer awareness of Minnesota-grown foods.
University of Minnesota–Crookston
The University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will jointly launch a statewide initiative to strengthen Minnesota’s agriculture, food, and natural resources workforce through coordinated recruitment, retention, and student engagement strategies. Over two years, the project will gather data through student focus groups, convene industry-informed committees, enhance marketing materials, and connect institutions with employers at major conferences. The effort aims to boost AFNR program enrollment, improve completion rates, and expand rural student participation, building a stronger statewide talent pipeline.
