Nitrogen reduction incentive program created

Senators approved creation of a program April 11 to incentivize the reduction of nitrogen use in Nebraska farming practices.

LB1368, sponsored by Sumner Sen. Teresa Ibach, creates a nitrogen reduction incentive program to be administered by the state Department of Natural Resources. The program will provide an annual incentive of $10 per acre to qualified farmers who verify a reduction in commercial fertilizer rates of either 40 pounds per acre or 15% by incorporating a qualifying product into the farm’s nutrient plans.

The program is be funded through a one-time transfer of $1 million from the Water Resources Cash Fund to a newly created Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Cash Fund, and $100,000 in general funds in fiscal year 2024-25 and FY2025-26.

The department may apply for additional state, federal or private grant funding.

LB1368 passed on a 42-0 vote.