Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council Grant

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, through its Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC), is inviting proposals for the Fiscal Year 2026 grant round aimed at advancing soil fertility research and educational outreach in the state. This program was established by the Minnesota Legislature and is governed by statutory authorities under Minnesota Statutes 18C.70, 18C.71, and 18C.80. AFREC focuses on identifying soil fertility priorities and funding activities that support environmentally and economically sound agricultural fertilizer practices. AFREC funding for this cycle totals approximately $1,250,000, with about $1,220,000 allocated for general research and outreach projects and up to $30,000 earmarked for a single award to support a Research and Outreach Coordinator (ROC) position. This competitive program encourages applications that align with AFREC’s strategic priorities, such as soil health, climate impacts on nutrient cycling, updated fertilizer recommendations for secondary and emerging crops, and best practices in manure management. Projects must include a dissemination component to ensure results reach Minnesota’s agricultural communities, including metropolitan fertilizer users. Eligible applicants include individuals, research institutions, nonprofits, farmer networks, educational entities, Tribal organizations, agricultural cooperatives, and businesses with research capabilities that operate in Minnesota. All applicants must be in good standing with the State of Minnesota and demonstrate the capacity to manage grant funds responsibly. Projects may be up to five years in duration, but all activities must be performed within Minnesota or neighboring states with comparable agricultural systems. Applications must be submitted through MDA’s online portal no later than November 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. New applicants are required to deliver a five-minute online or in-person presentation to the AFREC Council on December 1, 2025. The Council will notify successful applicants by January 2026. Projects selected for funding will begin no earlier than April 1, 2026, following contract finalization. Submissions will be evaluated using a detailed scoring system that considers alignment with AFREC priorities, scientific merit, outreach effectiveness, and economic and environmental relevance. The Council uses a two-tiered review process, including technical review and full Council voting. Funded recipients must provide quarterly and annual progress reports and follow the financial documentation and accountability procedures outlined in the grant agreement. Questions must be submitted via email to Margaret Wagner at Margaret.Wagner@state.mn.us by October 24, 2025. Responses will be posted publicly on the AFREC RFP webpage. Applicants are strictly prohibited from seeking guidance from other MDA employees, as doing so may lead to disqualification. Additional documentation, including a detailed budget and required certifications, must be submitted with the proposal to be considered complete.

Submit early to avoid technical issues; follow RFP instructions precisely; do not contact unauthorized MDA staff; address all required components