MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota Opens $1.4 Million Grant Round for Fertilizer Research, Soil Health and Water Protection
Researchers, farmers, businesses and Tribal entities can apply for projects that combine agricultural research with public outreach.
SAINT PAUL, MN (October 22, 2026). Minnesota is accepting applications for approximately $1.4 million in agricultural research and education grants aimed at improving fertilizer management, advancing soil health and protecting water quality.
The Department of Agriculture announced the funding October 20 through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council, known as AFREC.
Applications are due through the state’s online system by 4 p.m. Central time November 25.
Eligible applicants include researchers, farmers and farmer networks, colleges and universities, agricultural businesses, cooperatives, nonprofits, local governments and Tribal organizations.
Applicants must have agricultural research capabilities and authorization to conduct business in Minnesota. Eligible work can involve fertilizer production and application, soil and plant amendments, regenerative agriculture or water-quality protection.
The program also requires an outreach component. Funded work must share findings in a timely manner with agricultural producers or people using fertilizer in urban settings.
That requirement makes dissemination part of the funded project itself. Applicants must explain how results will reach the people who could put them into practice, alongside the research activities they propose.
The department says the available funding comes from fertilizer sales during the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. New proposals must closely address the priorities identified in the request for proposals, and applicants must meet the pre-award risk-assessment requirements.
Prospective applicants should review the AFREC application page before preparing a submission.
Questions about this funding round can be sent to Aicam.Laacouri@state.mn.us with “AFREC RFP Question(s)” in the subject line. The department is accepting questions through November 4 and will publish responses on its program question-and-answer page.
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