ACTIVITY SUMMARY
The Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC) is a farmer-led program to advance soil fertility research, technology development, and education. Money is raised through the sale of fertilizer in the state ($0.40 /ton fee) and invested through a competitive request for proposal process. The Council typically awards over $1 million annually.
The 2024 Minnesota Legislature expanded AFREC to include a new member who is “an expert in public health” and a new member who is “an expert in water quality and has performed scientific research on water issues.” The new members will begin a three-year term starting in February 2025. The recent legislative changes expand the board to 15 members, most of which are either farmers or provide agricultural professional services to farmers.