St. Paul, Minn.—The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) will fund five proposals for Cover Crop Demonstration Grants in 2020 to increase establishment of cover crops and related tillage practices in targeted areas to benefit water quality. The following soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) were awarded funding through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process: Traverse SWCD, Stearns SWCD, East Otter Tail SWCD, Root River SWCD and Faribault SWCD.
“The Cover Crops Demonstration Grants exemplify how we can tackle climate change as One Minnesota,” Governor Tim Walz said. “Bringing together farmers with local soil and water conversation districts, these grants will foster partnerships, spark innovation, create best practices, and put our state at the forefront of climate action.”
These new grants strive to build local knowledge, facilitate partnerships, and determine methods to increase long-term implementation of cover crops. Funding requests range from $125,000 to $250,000 for a total of $1 million.
“Cover Crop Demonstration Grants will allow local conservation staff and landowners to identify best practices for sustainable tillage methods that can serve as a model for producers across the state,” BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke said.
“These new cover crop grants will help address the growing need for and interest in regenerative agriculture practices for long-term sustainability,” Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said.
“Producers play an essential role in implementing sustainable agriculture practices that enrich soil health and improve water quality. These cover crop demonstration grants will enable these key players to determine what works best on their farm operations, and how to replicate successful practices across the landscape,” Minnesota Corn Growers Association Executive Director Adam Birr said.
More information can be found here.