Minnesota retail service stations looking to increase access to and sales of motor fuel blends containing at least 15% ethanol are encouraged to apply for funding currently available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program will award up to $3.335 million in this round of funding to offset the cost of replacing or upgrading current station equipment so it can be certified as compatible with E25 or higher motor fuel blends. Examples of eligible equipment include retail petroleum dispensers and fuel storage tanks.
“As consumer demand for cleaner fuel options continues to grow, the MDA is pleased we can partner with service stations to expand their capacity for higher ethanol blends at the pump,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Biofuels offer an affordable, immediate step to meeting Minnesota’s climate goals, while supporting our farmers and rural economies.”
Applicants may request between $5,000 and $199,000 for an individual project and must commit at least 35% of the total project cost as a cash match. Grants may be expended over a three-year period and must start after mid-January 2024.
Applicants must be a retail petroleum dispenser in Minnesota with no more than 10 sites, regardless of location. Separate applications must be submitted for each site in Minnesota seeking funding.
Additional consideration will be given to businesses owned by women, members of the BIPOC community, veterans, and projects that serve communities of color, Native American tribal communities, socio-economically disadvantaged communities, and communities where access to biofuels is limited.
Funding for this program is made available through a legislative appropriation for the AGRI Program as well as additional support from Minnesota Corn. The AGRI program administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout Minnesota to advance the state’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.
Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023, to be considered for funding. Visit the AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure Grant webpage for full eligibility and application details.
###
Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
How the Emerging Farmers Working Group began:
The Emerging Farmers Working Group, established by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture during the 2020 legislative session (Chapter 89 Section 2 [17.055]), embodies the department's commitment to uplift and empower emerging farmers in Minnesota. The group's definition of emerging farmers encompasses a range of identities, including women, veterans, persons with disabilities, American Indian or Alaskan Natives, members of a community of color, young (35 and younger) farmers, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals, urban (reside in cities with a population over 5,000), and others as determined by the commissioner. This definition reflects the department's intention to foster inclusivity and equity within the agricultural sector.
The role of the working group is to recommend and advise to the Commissioner of how MDA can improve new and existing programs that make the lives of Emerging Farmers better. This goal of the group is not to learn about how MDA functions as an agency but also how to advocate legislatively as well. The formation of this group arises from the recognition that emerging farmers face distinct challenges and opportunities within the agricultural industry. Designed to address their specific needs and concerns, the Emerging Farmers Working Group seeks to ensure that the voices of these farmers are heard, and their contributions are acknowledged. By engaging with a diverse array of collaborators, including emerging farmers, agricultural organizations, community leaders, and experts, the group aims to shape policies and programs that directly impact emerging farmers. This collaborative approach enables the identification of effective strategies and solutions.
The Emerging Farmers Working Group has emerged as a crucial advocate for emerging farmers in Minnesota. By providing dedicated support and generating ideas that benefit the broader emerging farmer community, the group strives to create a more inclusive and supportive agricultural landscape. Regular engagement with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture ensures ongoing collaboration, allowing the group to contribute valuable insights and recommendations, further advancing the cause of emerging farmers throughout the state.
Thank you for taking time to fill out this application to become a member of the Emerging Farmers Working Group (EFWG). We look forward to hearing from you!
Any Private Pesticide Applicator in Minnesota using fumigants in an on-farm operation for stored |