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 (NOPP) research grants through January 16, 2026. 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 or be working with one or more agricultural producers, 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. The Intent to Apply, consisting of preapproval of the research design, must be obtained from UW by December 19, 2025 and is required for submitting the final grant application. The grant application, Request for Proposals, and other application materials 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.”
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 the UW for project monitoring, research, and outreach assistance.
NOPP staff from DATCP and UW will be available for applicants to ask questions, pitch research ideas, and clarify ideas for their applications. Contact information is available on DATCP’s website.
The Intent to Apply and research design must be submitted to UW for preapproval by December 19, 2025. Final applications are due to DATCPNOPP@wisconsin.gov by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026. Grant recipients will be announced in spring 2026.
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