Innovation Grant Program proposals are due Dec. 31
The deadline to apply to be part of the Innovation Grant Program and receive funds to put your conservation idea into action is Dec. 31. Farmers are eligible for up to $7,000 in funding to lead a project that increases sustainability on the farm.
In its fifth year, the Innovation Grant Program has widened its focus for farmer-led innovation. Last year, the program expanded to accept solutions to prevent both nitrogen and phosphorous loss to ground and surface water. This year, the program now also seeks innovative ideas in nutrient use efficiency, tillage, economics and management, and production practices that enhance water quality.
To date, the program has invested nearly $600,000 in more than 50 farmer-led research projects bringing novel solutions to nutrient management and water quality protection. In the first four years of the program, projects have included novel approaches to cover crop systems, state-of-the-art drip irrigation for spoon-feeding nitrogen, evaluating variable-rate nitrogen programs and more.
In 2020, farmers are eligible for up to $7,000 per year in funding dependent on the cost to carry out each farmer-led project involving ideas toward environmental and/or economic sustainability. Projects must be applied for and conducted by an active Minnesota corn farmer subject to the Minnesota corn check-off.
Visit mncorn.org/research to download the 2020 RFP and apply online before 3 p.m. on Dec. 31.
