Funding enables retailers to offer point‑of‑sale discounts that help farmers use products that reduce losses and protect water quality
St. Paul, Minn.: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded more than $1.6 million through its Nitrogen Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer Discount program to expand the use of nitrogen‑saving fertilizer technologies on farms across Minnesota. The investment supports farmers in improving nutrient use efficiency, protecting water resources, and advancing climate‑smart agricultural practices statewide.
“Enhanced efficiency fertilizers are an important tool for helping farmers improve nitrogen management while protecting water quality and the environment,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “These funds will help farmers more easily access these products and use them to improve nutrient use efficiency, reduce nitrogen losses, and support both farm productivity and environmental stewardship.”
The MDA awarded $1,603,893.75 to five agricultural retailers selected through a competitive process. Retailers will use the funds to provide point‑of‑sale discounts on eligible nitrogen‑saving fertilizer products applied on Minnesota farmland.
Eligible products include nitrification inhibitors, urease inhibitors, and polymer‑coated urea—tools that help keep nitrogen in the crop root zone, reduce leaching, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Selection criteria prioritized retailers that:
- Promote nutrient management best practices
- Reach producers new to these technologies
- Serve areas with documented nitrogen impairments or vulnerabilities
Eligible retailers:
Barrett Agri, Inc.
320-391‑1435
barrettagri.com
Crystal Valley Coop
507-726‑6455
crystalvalley.coop
Centra Sota Cooperative
320-632‑9310
centrasota.com
CHS Inc.
612-462-6338
chsinc.com
Nutrien Ag Solutions
507-886‑4222
nutrienagsolutions.com
This funding is part of Climate-Smart Food Systems initiative, a $200 million statewide effort empowering growers, processors, nonprofits, and communities to build a food system that reduces waste and climate pollution while nourishing Minnesotans.
Farmers interested in receiving discounts should contact their participating retailer.
Producers certified through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) may also qualify for cost reimbursement on eligible fertilizer products directly through MAWQCP. Certified farmers should reach out to their certifier for details.
Protecting Minnesota’s water resources has been a defining priority of the Walz administration, reflected in sustained support for practical, locally driven conservation. A cornerstone of that work MAWQCP, which has certified more than 1.3 million acres of farmland in practices that reduce runoff, protect waterways, and strengthen long‑term soil health. This progress demonstrates the administration’s commitment to safeguarding Minnesota’s natural resources while supporting farmers and rural communities.
Questions about enhanced efficiency fertilizers and the discount program may be directed to Ellen Friedrich: Ellen.Friedrich@state.mn.us.
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Media Contact
Cynthia Moothart, MDA Communications
651-420-2637
Cynthia.Moothart@state.mn.us
