Minnesota Opens Application Window for Continuous Living Cover Funding

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for a grant to develop enterprises, supply chains, and markets for continuous living cover (CLC) crops and cropping systems in the early stages of commercial development. The application deadline is July 9, 4:30 p.m. CT. 

This is the fourth round of funding, which is supported by the Minnesota Climate Smart Food Systems (CSFS) Initiative. Applicants can access more information about the grants here.

CLC “refers to agricultural systems in which there are living plants and roots in the ground throughout the entire year,” said MDA. This can take many forms — from winter cover crops sown between summer annuals to agroforestry practices. 

Perennial forage crops, perennial biomass crops, and perennial grain production are other prominent examples of CLCs. 

These crops have been shown to enhance water and soil quality, sequester carbon, build soil health, and provide greater biodiversity and pollinator habitat. MDA claims that “significant environmental benefits from these crops will result from widespread production, which requires robust value chains and markets.”

This includes, but is not limited to, regenerative poultry silvopasture systems, Kernza perennial grain, American hazelnuts, winter camelina, and elderberry.

Grant proposals should intend to “develop and accelerate enterprises, supply chains, and markets for CLC crops and cropping systems in the early stage of commercial development in Minnesota,” according to MDA. 

Some examples include:

• Customized equipment to harvest the crop
• Clean and store seeds, and process crops for food products
• Market and business development

The minimum award is $10,000 and the maximum award is $100,000. Grant recipients will be chosen via a competitive review process.