The Nitrogen Management Financial Assistance Pilot Program is a competitive funding opportunity for producers who implement agricultural practices (initiatives) that have the potential to reduce leaching of nitrate-nitrogen into groundwater. Applications are reviewed on an on-going basis, as received. Eligibility is verified by the MDA Soil Scientists and/or representatives.

 

Location
Authorized representative

If awarded a grant, enter the name and contact information for the person that will sign the Nitrogen Management Financial Assistance Pilot Grant contract agreement for this organization. This is often yourself or other leadership in your operation/organization.

Initiatives

Select the initiatives you plan to implement. The rate of reimbursement is listed for each. Please note there is a limit of $5,000 per year for up to three years. This can be applied to one or more initiatives.

Rate: $40/acre up to 125 acres

Rate: $25/acre up to 200 acres

Rate: $5,000/year up to 3 years

Rate: $200/spreader calibration, $50/manure sample up to $5,000

Rate: $25/acre up to 200 acres

Rate: $50/acre up to 100 acres

Rate: $50 per sample up to $5,000

Rate: $50/test sample (zone or grid based) up to $5,000 or up to $5,000 to purchase precision testing equipment (one time funding), or $20/acre up to 250 acre for precision technology contractor to estimate in-season application rates of nitrogen

Rate: $50/acre up to 100 acres

Rate: $50/acre up to 100 acres

Are you an employee of the state of Minnesota?
Are you receiving any other grant funding from the MDA?
Are you in good standing with the state of Minnesota? (No back taxes owed, no defaults of Minnesota state-backed financing for the past seven years, in compliance with current state regulations, and acceptable performance on past MDA grants.)?
Are you the principal operator or have the authority to apply on behalf of the farm?
Are there any other applications being submitted on behalf of this farm?
Have you been convicted of a criminal offense, such as theft, embezzlement, or forgery related to a state grant agreement?
Is the land where this practice is proposed within a Groundwater Protection Rule Level 2 DWSMA?
Are there other sources of funding being utilized to support the adoption of this practice?
The MDA is unable to reimburse for any work that is performed prior to the start date of the grant contract agreement. Do you acknowledge this statement?
Certification

By signing this application

I certify that no project expenses will be incurred until the grant agreement is fully executed.

I also agree to implement the selected initiative(s) and follow the terms of the technical resources mentioned for each initiative.

To the best of my knowledge and belief, the data in this application is true and correct.

I understand that submitting false or misleading information in connection with this application may result in the applicant being found ineligible for financial assistance.

I further understand that receiving public funds as a consequence of false representations constitutes an act of fraud. 

I understand that the MDA may conduct audits, check references, and conduct site inspections after grants are awarded and prior to dollars being disbursed.  Payment is performance-based, and funds will not be dispersed to the applicant until requirements are met for the selected practice.

I understand application data is private or nonpublic data until grant applications are awarded. Names, addresses, and requested amounts then become public information. An entire application becomes public when an agency has completed negotiating the grant agreement with a grantee.

Individual grant applicants do not have to provide the information requested on the application form. However, if you do not, we will not be able to consider your grant request.

The only persons who will have access to your data during the time that it is protected are those permitted access by law, by your written consent, by a court order, or by those department employees whose job duties require access.

To the best of my knowledge and belief, the data in this application is true and correct and supporting documentation for the claims and assertions made within this application is available to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) for its review.