By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is inviting Wisconsin farmers and collaborating partners to apply for research grants under the commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP).
Applications will be accepted through January 16, 2026, with the goal of improving understanding and developing new practices to optimize nitrogen use in commercial agriculture.
Eligible applicants include agricultural producers or those working directly with them. Applicants must agree to collaborate with the Universities of Wisconsin (UW) and voluntarily conduct commercial nitrogen optimization field studies for at least two years.
A required Intent to Apply which includes preapproval of the research design must be submitted to UW by December 19, 2025, prior to completing the full application. Application materials, including the Request for Proposals, are available on DATCP’s website.
“Wisconsin farmers are leaders in innovation, and the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program is another example of that,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Through this program, producers across the state are carrying out important research studies and making new and exciting developments in nitrogen optimization.”
A total of $1 million is available in this round of grants. Multiple producers may collaborate on a single project with cooperating entities, and each participating agricultural producer may receive up to $40,000. Additionally, a grant will be awarded to UW to support monitoring, research, and outreach activities related to the projects.
NOPP staff from DATCP and UW will be available to help applicants refine research ideas, address questions, and prepare proposals. The Intent to Apply must be submitted by December 19, 2025, and final applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on January 16, 2026, at DATCPNOPP@wisconsin.gov. Grant recipients will be announced in spring 2026.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy