The Minnesota Corn Innovation Grant Program returns for its fourth year of funding farmer-led research with an additional focus in 2020: On-farm profitability. For the first time, the program will be seeking innovation in economics and management that make corn farm operations more profitable.

The 2020 Innovation Grant Program will continue to seek solutions to prevent both nitrogen and phosphorous loss to ground and surface water, along with novel ideas in tillage and production practices that enhance water quality.

The new focus on profitability advances the mission of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association to improve the economic sustainability of corn farmers. As Minnesota Corn grower leaders assessed the Innovation Grant Program’s priorities for 2020, they determined soliciting new ideas from farmers focused on profitability would be beneficial as factors outside of their control continue to impact commodity prices.

Ideas related to economics and management can include everything from purchasing to marketing decisions.

“We know Minnesota has a lot of farmers who are outstanding managers allowing them to remain profitable during what has been challenging times in agriculture.” MCGA Senior Research Director Paul Meints said. “We hope the program will bring many of their innovation ideas to the forefront in a way that could benefit all farmers.”

The 2020 Innovation Grant Program RFP is open now, and farmers have until Dec. 31 to apply. To learn more about the program and the application process, click here.