ST. PAUL — State funding for ways to improve the quality, quantity, or value of Minnesota’s $9.3 billion agricultural crop industry is being offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program crop research grants are being accepted though Nov. 30. MDA anticipates awarding about $1 million in grants.

Minnesota-based organizations with agricultural research capabilities may apply for the funding. Grants reimburse up to $250,000 of the cost of an applied research project that will provide results within three to seven years to benefit Minnesota agriculture, its producers and associated industries.

Research projects with an outreach plan that addresses how activities or outcomes of this project meaningfully involves or informs underserved agricultural producers such as emerging farmers, and rural communities with limited economic opportunities will receive priority.

In addition, preference will also be given to applicants researching crops that have limited access to other research funds.

The online application is available at the AGRI Crop Research Grant page at mda.state.mn.us.

Funding for the Crop Research Grant was established through the AGRI Program, which provides grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout the state of Minnesota.

The AGRI Program exists to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.