October 12, 2026: DATCP Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Grant Program Application Open Through January 15

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2026
Contact: Dan Richter, Public Information Officer, (608) 419-5352, [email protected]

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 15, 2027. 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 workin​g 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 18, 2026 and is required for submitting the final grant application. The grant application, Request for Proposals, and other application materials will be available on DATCP's 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."

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.

NOPP staff from DATCP and UW will be available for applicants to ask questions, pitch research ideas, and clarify ideas for their applications.

The ​Intent to Apply, including the research design, must be submitted to UW by December 18, 2026. Final applications are due to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2027. Grant recipients will be announced in spring 2027.

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