Apply now for PRO funds

PRO now accepts proposals year-round. Strong proposals that fit PRO guidelines will be funded on a first come-first serve basis through June 1998, or until all available funds are committed. This increased flexibility will allow producer organizations to apply at their convenience.

A summary of program guidelines:

Grant awards: Up to $30,000 will be awarded for research, demonstration or technology transfer projects up to two years in duration. Approximately $180,000 is available.

Program Goal: To reduce the use and impact of petroleum-based pesticides (herbicides, insecticides and fungicides) through one or more of the following methods:

Eligible Applicants: Minnesota organizations with farmer or grower members engaged in sustainable agricultural activities, and which have federal nonprofit filing status within section 501 or 509. Examples include commodity groups, cooperatives, farm organizations, grower associations and sustainable ag organizations.

Those eligible to participate as cooperating organizations, principal investigators or co-investigators include economic development organizations, state agencies, private companies through the donation of equipment or services, and researchers from post-secondary institutions, federal laboratories and other public or private research institutions.

Requirements: Projects must include farmer participation and on-farm research or demonstration. They must be innovative, well-designed, economically and environmentally sustainable, involve a multi-disciplinary project team, and transfer results to farmers within three years. Projects must also supply $1 in matching funds for each $1 requested.

For full program guidelines, write to:

AURI PRO, P.O. Box 599
Crookston, MN 56716-0599
Or contact:
Donna Christianson, (218) 281-7600