The Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Technology Transfer (AGREETT) program is an innovative, needs-driven funding model designed to solve Minnesota’s most pressing agricultural, food, and natural resource (AFNR) challenges.
Established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2015, AGREETT is a strategic partnership that brings industry leaders, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the University of Minnesota together to identify the state’s most pressing challenges and invest in University expertise to address those challenges. Unlike traditional academic funding streams, AGREETT directly aligns state investment with farmer and industry-defined needs, ensuring Minnesota’s producers and communities see immediate, practical impact.
Increasing University expertise
AGREETT funds 35 faculty and Extension educator positions dedicated a broad range of challenges identified and prioritized by the AGREETT advisory panel. Learn more about AGREETT expertise in these critical areas:
AGREETT faculty and Extension educators focus on issues central to the long-term success of Minnesota's $112 billion ag and food economy while also protecting the state's environment.
AGREETT experts are helping farmers:
- Improve yields and overall farm productivity.
- Reduce input costs through precision management.
- Manage climate stress and evolving pest pressures.
- Protect soil and water resources for future generations.
- Navigate emerging diseases that threaten animal, human, and environmental health.
Learn more about AGREETT
How are AGREETT funds used?
An advisory panel of agriculture, food and natural resource industry representatives, University leaders, and the MDA determine the most important challenges facing Minnesota's agricultural, food and natural resource industries. The University then hires research faculty, graduate students and Extension educators to address those concerns. To date, 35 faculty and extension educators have been hired with AGREETT funding. AGREETT funds have also been used to modernize labs at the University.
What issues are being addressed via AGREETT?
Under the direction of the AGREETT advisory board, AGREETT funds are used to address issues such as:
- Crop and livestock productivity
- Microbial science
- Advancing soil fertility or water quality
- Agricultural technology and decision-making
- Nutrient recycling and management
- Agro-ecological innovation
- Technologies aimed at managing pest resistance and climate change
Learn more about AGREETT expertise in:
Where do the AGREETT faculty and educators work?
Many of the AGREETT faculty and educators have offices on the University’s St. Paul campus. Some are located across Minnesota at Research and Outreach Centers in Morris, Crookston, and Grand Rapids, while others are located at Extension regional offices. Regardless of where their office is located, most AGREETT faculty and educators work on projects and programs throughout the state.