MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) invites Wisconsin farmers and cooperating entities to apply for commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program research grants through January 31, 2024. These grants aim to enhance the understanding of and refine new methods that optimize commercial nitrogen applied to agricultural fields.
Eligible applicants must be an agricultural producer, agree to collaborate with the Universities of Wisconsin (UW) on their project, and voluntarily conduct commercial nitrogen optimization field studies for a minimum of two years. A research design must be submitted to UW by December 15, 2023 and approved prior to submitting the final grant application. To access the grant application, Request for Proposals, and other program materials, visit DATCP’s website.
“Wisconsin farmers understand the importance of caring for and maintaining our state’s abundant soil and water resources,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Through this innovative program, farmers are able to discover and implement new nitrogen optimization methods that will not only benefit their crops, but also help preserve our natural resources for years to come.”
There is $1 million available for this round of grants. Multiple agricultural producers may work together, or with cooperating entities, to submit a single application. Each agricultural producer who is part of the application is eligible to receive a maximum award of $40,000 for the project. Outside of the individual grant awards, a grant will be made to UW for project monitoring, research, and outreach assistance.
Preapproval of research design must be submitted to UW by December 15, 2023. Final applications are due to DATCPNOPP@wisconsin.gov by 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced in spring 2024.
