Minnesota Offers Specialty Crop R&D Grants

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is looking for innovative grant proposals for specialty crop research and development.

The department says it expects to get the money from a federal block grant authorized under the 2014 farm bill.

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops including flowers.

The MDA encourages nonprofits, government agencies, universities and other organizations involved in Minnesota agriculture can apply for funding to support new and ongoing research that can provide opportunities for diversifying the agricultural economy.

The department is seeking proposals spanning up to three years and ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The projects may not benefit individual businesses or organizations.

The application deadline is April 30. Proposals will be reviewed by an independent panel.

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