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.
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