USDA accepting applications for Conservation Innovation Grants

About $15 million will be made available nationwide by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). State and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, non-governmental and educational organizations, private businesses and individuals are eligible to apply.

 

In the 10 years that NRCS has administered the program, grants have helped develop water quality trading markets, demonstrated ways to increase fertilizer water and energy efficiencies, as well as address other resource concerns.

 

Previous projects that received grants have included the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association used a CIG grant to work with growers to install automated sprinkler systems that conserve water and trim costs, and Ducks Unlimited and other partners used a grant to develop a carbon credit system for North Dakota landowners in the Prairie Pothole region.

 

"Conservation Innovation Grants (CIGs) have contributed to some of the most pioneering conservation work on America's agricultural and forest lands," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a press release. "It's an excellent investment in new conservation technologies and approaches that farmers, ranchers and forest landowners can use to achieve their production and conservation goals."

 

The application period will close on March 7, 2014.

 

For more information on the grant opportunity click here. To apply for a grant click here.