The Nutrient Management Farmer Education (NMFE) Grants program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), supports local organizations in providing education to farmers on creating nutrient management plans. These plans are essential for ensuring environmentally sound nutrient application practices that comply with Wisconsin’s NRCS 590 standard. The program aims to enhance agricultural sustainability while protecting natural resources.

The program offers two tiers of funding to meet different educational needs. Tier 1 funding, with a maximum grant of $25,000, is designed to provide training for farmers and plan writers to develop 590-compliant nutrient management plans. This funding can cover administrative, training, and support costs, as well as participant payments for soil testing and attendance at training sessions. Tier 2 funding, capped at $3,000, supports general nutrient management education where creating a compliant plan is not required. This tier can also fund administrative and training costs and provide stipends for implementation reviews.

Applications for NMFE grants are accepted annually, opening on January 31 and closing on April 15. Organizations seeking to apply should outline detailed plans for delivering effective nutrient management training and, if applicable, assisting participants in developing compliant plans. The grants aim to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to manage nutrients responsibly, supporting both agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.

The next application cycle is expected to begin in January 2025. Interested organizations are encouraged to prepare proposals and stay informed through DATCP's updates and resources to ensure timely submission and compliance with program requirements.