USDA has announced they are investing up to $12.5 million to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through July 29, 2019, for national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). These are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests – ultimately, they improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat.
Now new in the 2018 Farm Bill, are On-Farm Trials, which support more widespread adoption of innovative approaches, practices and systems on working lands. On-Farm Trials projects feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches.
Now all non-Federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply, and all CIG projects must involve Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)-eligible producers.
CIG applications need be submitted through Grants.gov. For more information contact your local NRCS office.