New $4.7M Grant Opportunity To Help Minnesota Retailers Expand Access To E15

Burnsville, MN, April 8 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) is encouraging fuel retailers to apply for new grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Bio-Fuels Infrastructure Program to expand access to E15, also known as Unleaded 88.

MDA announced $4.7 million in grant funding is available to support fuel retailers in upgrading infrastructure to offer higher blends of ethanol. The program is funded through a legislative appropriation along with additional support from Minnesota Corn.

Eligible retailers may apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $199,000 per project to support equipment, installation, and related infrastructure upgrades. Applicants must operate in Minnesota, have no more than 20 retail locations, and provide a minimum 35% cash match.

Brian Werner, Executive Director of MN Bio-Fuels, said the funding comes at an important time as retailers look to meet growing demand for lower-cost fuel options.

"This funding provides a meaningful opportunity for fuel retailers across Minnesota to expand access to Unleaded 88 and meet growing consumer demand for lower-cost fuel options," Werner said. "At a time when gas prices remain volatile, investments in infrastructure like this help ensure more Minnesotans can access a fuel that is consistently priced lower while supporting our state's farmers and rural economy. Expanding availability starts with making it easier for retailers to offer it."

The program prioritizes retailers that do not currently offer higher ethanol blends and projects that expand availability across all dispensers, helping increase access statewide. There are currently 551 stations in Minnesota that offer Unleaded 88.

A recent study found Minnesota drivers saved $24.7 million in 2024 alone by choosing Unleaded 88, with $79.5 million in cumulative savings since 2013.

Applications for the current round of AGRI Bio-Fuels Infrastructure grants are open now and must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Retailers interested in applying for the current round of AGRI grants or receiving assistance in navigating the application process are encouraged to contact MDA or .

More information is available here.