Developing Markets for Continuous Living Cover Grant Program 2026

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is administering the Developing Markets for Continuous Living Cover (CLC) grant program under the Minnesota Climate Smart Food Systems Initiative. This initiative provides $500,000 in federal funding to support Minnesota-based organizations in the early-stage commercial development of enterprises, supply chains, and markets for continuous living cover crops and cropping systems. These systems include agroforestry, perennial biomass, perennial forage, perennial grains, and winter-annual cereal grains and oilseeds that have market value as harvested or grazed commodities. The objective is to establish new revenue streams for rural producers and businesses, while improving soil health and water quality across the state. Funding through this grant is available to a range of eligible organizations, including for-profit businesses, cooperatives, nonprofits, Tribal Nations, and local governments. Each applicant must be located and authorized to conduct business in Minnesota, in good standing with the state, and able to focus on CLC crops as defined. Individual applicants and MDA employees or their spouses are not eligible. Applicants are limited to one proposal per organization for this round. Projects should aim to accelerate development in the commercial use of CLC crops, with funds supporting expenses like personnel, equipment, in-state travel, contracted services, and participant stipends. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on July 9, 2025. Prior to that, questions must be submitted by June 16, 2025, via email to Jen Schaust at Jen.Schaust@state.mn.us. Pre-award assessments, if requested, are due July 30, 2025, and selected grantees will be notified starting August 25, 2025. Final work plans and budgets are due September 8, 2025, with contract signatures expected in October 2025. All projects must be completed by October 31, 2026. Applicants must apply online and answer detailed questions regarding organizational eligibility, project goals, business readiness, environmental impact, and budget justification. The grant evaluation follows a 100-point scale, emphasizing project impact, business capability, environmental benefits, and commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged communities. Up to 7 grants may be awarded, each between $10,000 and $100,000. Matching funds are not required, and eligible costs are strictly outlined. For questions or technical issues, applicants can contact Jen Schaust via the provided email. Additionally, the MDA offers an FAQ page and resources for understanding the application process. Contracts cannot begin until all signatures are finalized, and reimbursement-based payments will be issued upon submission of documentation. The MDA reserves the right to modify or cancel the RFP depending on funding or policy changes.