The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is soliciting proposals for the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Program (AFREC) to support fertilizer research and outreach initiatives. The program, funded through fertilizer sales revenue from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, offers up to $1,200,000 for selected projects. Eligible applicants include organizations, research entities, individuals, businesses, farmers, universities, research institutions, nonprofits, urban agriculture groups, agricultural cooperatives, and agricultural businesses with relevant research capabilities.

The program funds projects focused on research, education, and technology transfer related to the production and application of commercial fertilizers, soil amendments, and plant amendments. This year's priorities include studying nitrogen availability from different manure types and livestock species based on management practices, and developing best management practices for manure and fertilizer use in areas vulnerable to nitrate losses in surface or groundwater.

The full Request for Proposals (RFP) will be available under Forms + Resources starting October 14, 2024. Questions can be submitted via email to Margaret Wagner by November 26, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., with answers posted on the AFREC Grant webpage.

Proposals must be submitted through the MDA's online system by December 6, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Late submissions will not be considered, and applicants are responsible for ensuring timely receipt. The MDA reserves the right to cancel the RFP if deemed necessary, with no obligation to award funding.