MDA Requests AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Proposals

St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announces $250,000 in grant funding for urban youth agricultural education or urban agriculture community development. The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Urban Agriculture Grant program is available to for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, Native American tribal communities, and local government entities.

“It is important that we reach out to our youth about agriculture, particularly in our urban areas,” said Deputy Commissioner Andrea Vaubel. “Since there is flexibility in how the AGRI Urban Agriculture grants can be used, there are a variety of options available to teach our urban youth and apply that knowledge in their communities. These grants can make a real positive impact and I encourage Minnesotans to consider applying.”

During the first offering of this highly competitive grant program eight organizations were awarded funds to promote urban agriculture across Minnesota. One awardee, University of Minnesota Extension, is developing a program to give opportunities for school-aged children in Virginia, Minnesota to learn about agriculture in a local greenhouse. In Minneapolis, the Little Earth Community is developing a community-led urban farm focused on Indigenous principles and perspectives.

Applicants may request a maximum of $50,000 per project, and up to 100 percent of the total project cost may be covered by the grant. Half of the award may be requested as an advance.

Applications are due Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 4:00 PM CST. For more information about the AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant, including detailed information about how to apply, visit http://www.mda.state.mn.us/urbanaggrant.