ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is making $1.7 million in competitive grants available for applied crop research.

The department said the research needs to focus on improving agricultural product quality, quantity and value. Projects must also benefit Minnesota farmers and the state’s economy in the next three to five years.

The maximum grant award is $250,000 for projects that can last up to three years.

Any Minnesota organization, research entity, individual, or business with agricultural research capability is eligible to apply. The deadline is Nov. 20.

The Crop Research Grant Program is part of the Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program created by the Minnesota Legislature to advance the state’s agricultural and renewable energy industries. The program awarded $1.3 million to 10 recipients for research this year.