DOA:......Hutter, BB0186 - Commercial nitrogen optimization program
For 2025-2027 Budget -- Not Ready For Introduction
An Act ...; relating to: the budget.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
AGRICULTURE
Commercial nitrogen optimization program
Under current law, DATCP must award grants under a commercial nitrogen optimization pilot program to agricultural producers and to UW System institutions that implement a project that optimizes the application of commercial nitrogen for at least two growing seasons. DATCP must award the grants from an annual segregated appropriation account that is funded by the environmental fund. A grant to a farmer and the eligible UW System institution collaborating with the farmer may not exceed, in total, $50,000. DATCP must attempt to provide grants under the program to farmers in different parts of the state and for projects in areas that have different soil types or geologic characteristics. This bill removes the word “pilot” from the statutory language describing the program and funds the program from a new biennial segregated appropriation account that is funded by the environmental fund.
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. 20.115 (7) (qm) of the statutes is created to read:
20.115 (7) (qm) Commercial nitrogen optimization program. Biennially, from the environmental fund, the amounts in the schedule for the commercial nitrogen optimization program under s. 92.14 (16).
****Note: This Section involves a change in an appropriation that must be reflected in the revised schedule in s. 20.005, stats.
Section 2. 92.14 (16) (title) of the statutes is amended to read:
92.14 (16) (title) Commercial nitrogen optimization pilot program.
Section 3. 92.14 (16) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
92.14 (16) (a) In addition to any grants provided under sub. (3), the department shall award grants from the appropriation under s. 20.115 (7) (qf) (qm) to agricultural producers and to University of Wisconsin System institutions as provided under this subsection.
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