Senate Bill 326 establishes a nutrient loss reduction grant program administered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). This program allows farmers to apply for grants to support the purchase of enhanced efficiency fertilizer products, the implementation of variable rate technology, or the preparation of nutrient management plans. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers include controlled-release or slow-release formulations and products that contain urease or nitrification inhibitors. Variable rate technology involves soil testing in small sections to apply fertilizers based on specific soil conditions. The bill outlines specific grant limits, such as a maximum of $7 per acre for enhanced efficiency fertilizers, $8 per acre for variable rate technology, and $2 per acre for nutrient management plans, with an overall cap of $20,000 per recipient per year.

Additionally, the bill permits agricultural retailers to apply for grants on behalf of farmers and allows for grants to cover multiple activities in a single year. DATCP is authorized to request various information from grant applicants, including contact details, proof of non-duplication of funding, and documentation of completed activities. The bill aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices by incentivizing farmers to adopt technologies and strategies that reduce nutrient loss, thereby benefiting the environment and enhancing agricultural productivity.