NJDA Nutrient Management Assistance Grant Program

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), through its Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources, has announced the availability of funds under the NJDA Nutrient Management Assistance Grant Program. This initiative is grounded in the state's Animal Waste Management rules (N.J.A.C. 2:91), which were established to mitigate water quality impacts from livestock farms via Best Management Practices (BMPs). A key BMP category under these rules is Nutrient Management, which encompasses strategies such as nutrient budgets and Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) to ensure efficient manure application and protect water resources. The purpose of the grant is to support the purchase and maintenance of manure spreaders and the development of a community use program that facilitates the shared utilization of this equipment among local farms. By advancing these BMPs, the grant seeks to enhance compliance with Animal Waste Management Plans (AWMPs) across New Jersey’s agricultural sector. This effort aims to equip farms with essential tools for implementing nutrient management strategies effectively, thereby contributing to the broader goal of environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies based in New Jersey. Applicants must demonstrate a strong connection to local agricultural producers and the capacity to implement the proposed project. The program requires that the manure spreader be used on at least five different farms with corresponding AWMPs that include either NMPs or nutrient budgets. The grant will cover activities over a three-year period and includes the potential for performance period extensions. Funding details indicate a total program pool of $100,000, with individual awards capped at $25,000. Funds can be used for equipment purchase, maintenance, community program management, outreach, education, and reporting. Payment is primarily through reimbursement based on documented expenses, although advance payments for manure spreader purchases may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Grantees must submit semi-annual and final reports detailing progress, equipment usage, and budgetary updates. Applications must include a description of proposed project activities, a proposed budget, and a willingness to agree to NJDA’s grant terms. Submissions are preferred via email in PDF format to anr.grants@ag.nj.gov, but postal or courier submissions are also accepted. Applications must be received by June 16, 2025. Award decisions will be communicated by August 15, 2025. Additional application materials and instructions can be found at https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/grants/.