Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud) announced an extension of the deadline to apply for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Urban Agriculture Grant Program from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Applications for the program, which encourages the growth of agricultural education and development in Minnesota cities, are now due January 17, 2019.

“The Urban Agriculture Grant Program is an excellent way for cities, businesses, and non-profits to receive grant funding to promote urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development,” said Senator Jerry Relph. “Agriculture is one of Minnesota’s most important industries and it is critical we find innovative, relatable ways to reach the next generation, both in our cities and across the state. This is a great opportunity.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, up to $250,000 in grant funding is available. Local governments, non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, schools, and Native American tribal communities are eligible to apply. Additional eligibility requirements, including community population requirements and project criteria, can be found on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website.

Senator Jerry Relph, of St. Cloud, is in his first term representing District 14, which includes St. Cloud, Waite Park, and other communities in Benton, Sherburne, and Wright counties.