MCGA and Gopher Sports: Partners in Conservation
Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and the University of Minnesota (UMN) share a long history in the areas of research, conservation practices and economic impact. This fall, MCGA will continue its partnership with Gopher Sports to bring a positive message about corn farming to a mostly non-farming audience.
New to this year’s efforts, MCGA will leverage Gopher sporting events to raise funds for causes that align with Minnesota Corn conservation initiatives. The recipients are:
Great River Greening, a local nonprofit dedicated to restoring our state’s natural resources
Golden Gopher Fund in support of conservation efforts in and around Gopher athletic facilities
University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Polymers, where researchers are working to replace petroleum-based plastic with renewable, plant-based products.
During home football games, MCGA will donate $100 to a recipient every time the Gophers make an extra point. At each men's home hockey game, MCGA will donate $50 for the best save made by a Gopher goalie.
Go Gophers! Go corn growers!
Founded in 1995, Great River Greening leads community-based restoration of prairies, forests and waters throughout Minnesota. Working alongside its ecologists, the organization’s 30,000 volunteers have helped restore over 10,000 acres of natural habitat. Its work includes collaborating with farmers in agricultural watersheds to protect clean water.
The Golden Gopher Fund assists in covering all costs associated with the University of Minnesota Athletics Department. This includes supporting environmentally responsible procedures and processes to conserve natural resources in and around the U’s athletic facilities. In partnership with U of M Energy Management, Gopher Athletics works to reduce consumption across all of its building systems.
The mission of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP) is to transform how plastics are made. Currently, all common plastics have their origins in petroleum. Through innovative research and diverse partnerships, CSP researchers aim toreplace petroleum-based plastic with renewable, plant-based products that foster a sustainable future.