Wisconsin Offers $1M in Grants for Nitrogen Research

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting applications for the commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP), offering $1 million in research grants to Wisconsin farmers and collaborating organizations.

Applications will be accepted through January 15, 2027, with funding intended to improve nitrogen management practices and evaluate new approaches to commercial nitrogen application.

Eligible applicants must be agricultural producers or organizations partnering with one or more producers. Participants must collaborate with the Universities of Wisconsin (UW) and voluntarily conduct nitrogen optimization field research for at least two years.

Applicants must first obtain an Intent to Apply from UW, including approval of their proposed research design, by December 18, 2026. The grant application, request for proposals and related materials will be available on the DATCP website beginning October 15, 2026.

“Across Wisconsin, farmers are leading the way in identifying the optimal nitrogen application methods for their crops and their land," said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Through the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program, this important work will continue and will be beneficial to our state’s land and water resources overall.”

The program has $1 million available for this funding round. Multiple producers may partner with one another or cooperating organizations to submit a joint application.

Each participating agricultural producer can receive up to $40,000 for an approved project. UW will also receive separate funding to support project monitoring, research and outreach activities.

DATCP and UW program staff will be available to answer questions, discuss proposed research and help applicants clarify their project ideas.

Completed applications must be emailed to DATCPNOPP@wisconsin.gov by 11:59 p.m. on January 15, 2027. Grant recipients are expected to be announced in spring 2027.

The initiative aims to strengthen farmers’ understanding of nitrogen management while supporting agricultural productivity and protecting Wisconsin’s soil and water resources through research and improved nutrient application practices.

For more information, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/CommercialNitrogenOptimizationPilotGrantProgram.aspx.

Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa