The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has launched a Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Pilot Program aimed at helping farmers improve nitrogen management while protecting water quality and soil health. Applications for the 2026 growing season opened March 2 and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through May 1. Farmers who participate can receive $15 per acre for reducing commercial nitrogen fertilizer use by up to 15 percent or 30 pounds per acre when using qualifying biofertilizer products. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says the program encourages producers to try new nutrient management strategies while maintaining productivity and reducing nitrogen loss. The pilot program will run during the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons, with $500,000 in total funding available.
