NRCS-PA: Apply Now For Climate Smart Agriculture And Soil Health Conservation Innovation Grants

On July 25, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it will invest $25 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials Program.  The deadline for applications is September 22.

Through CIG, partners work to address our nation's water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. 

The On-Farm Trials component of CIG supports widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. 

This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agricultural solutions, irrigation water management, nutrient management and soil health.

“Through science and innovation, we can develop solutions to tackle the climate crisis, conserve and protect our water, enhance soil health, and create economic opportunities for producers,” said Terry Cosby, Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “Through On-Farm Trials, partners can work directly with farmers and ranchers to test and adopt new strategies on agricultural lands, accelerating the development and application of conservation that works for producers and the land."

For FY 2022, to ensure that equity is incorporated in the planning and delivery of On-Farm Trials, at least 10% of the total funds available for On-Farm Trials are set aside for proposals that entirely benefit historically underserved (HU) producers. 

Additionally, applicants competing for the HU set-aside can waive non-federal match requirements.

Private entities whose primary business is related to agriculture, nongovernmental organizations with experience working with agricultural producers, and non-federal government agencies are eligible to apply. 

For more information and to apply, visit the On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials Program webpage.

Learn more about financial and technical assistance available to landowners by visiting the NRCS-PA webpage.

(Courtesy AG ONE Newsletter published by Vince Phillips, xenobun@aol.com or 717-728-1217.) 

Related Articles:

-- Agriculture Accepting Applications For $13 Million In Farm Conservation Tax Credits - First Come, First Served  [PaEN]

-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners Celebrate Recent Grants; Accepting Watershed Leadership Academy Applications  [PaEN]

-- Dept. Of Agriculture Accepting Applications For Urban Agriculture Grants Starting Aug. 1

[Posted: July 30, 2022]  PA Environment Digest