The Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council (MCR&PC) is now accepting research proposals related to corn production and stewardship, and expanded uses for corn. From research focused on soil fertility and nutrient management to new product developments utilizing corn, MCR&PC will be looking for proposals that bring an economic benefit to the state’s corn growers and improve their sustainability.

Unlike past Request for Proposals (RFP) periods, proposals will only be accepted online. Those interested must submit their online proposal by Dec. 5, 2018, at 3 p.m. CST. Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and MCR&PC grower leaders will review each proposal based on its relevance to MCR&PC priorities, along with other criteria. The full RFP is available here.

By moving the proposal submission process online, MCR&PC’s goal was to make the process more streamlined and convenient for leading researchers. The general priority categories for each proposal are the following:

• Production Stewardship Research Priorities
• Expanded Uses Research Priorities

To encourage proposals from leading researchers, MCGA and its grower leaders recently held a needs assessment with University of Minnesota faculty at the University’s Bell Museum. The insights gained from researchers during the meet-and-greet were used to set the individual research priorities for the 2019 RFP.

The RFP period is also currently open for farmers interested in leading a research project through the Innovation Grant Program. In its fourth year, the Innovation Grant Program is accepting proposals focused on innovation solutions to preventing both nitrogen and phosphorous loss to ground and surface water. Farmers must submit their proposal by Dec. 31.

Proposals for both can be submitted at mncorn.org/research. Questions concerning this RFP can be directed to MCGA Senior Research Director Paul Meints at 952-233-0333 or Pmeints@mncorn.org.