LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is offering competitive grants aimed at helping farmers and growers to optimize nutrient use, ensure soil fertility, and address environmental concerns regarding fertilizer use. The Fertilizer Research Grant program is accepting grant proposals until 3:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, September 28, 2018.

Successful proposals will help expand nutrient management that optimizes plant production and/or environmental protection with the intention of being able to apply the innovative technology in agricultural operations in the short term. Those interested in applying should visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants to view the application and program overview.

Request for Proposals will be evaluated through a competitive proposal process using the Fertilizer Research Advisory Committee established in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 451 of 1994, Part 85. The Fertilizer Research Fund is generated through money collected when farmers purchase fertilizer. Applicants for grant funds will be asked to describe how the project has the potential to impact and produce measurable outcomes for the state’s farming and agriculture industry.

Questions regarding the Request for Proposal should be sent to MDARD-FertResearch-Grants@michigan.gov.

Proposals must be received via email at MDARD-FertResearch-Grants@michigan.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, August 31, 2018. Proposals received after 3:00 p.m. will not be considered.

For more information on MDARD’s grant programs, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.

— Michigan Department of Agriculture

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