Courtesy of NAA:

The US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) released two National Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Notices of Funding Opportunity. Both are currently accepting applications.

The CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (OFT) program will award up to $25 million for projects addressing Irrigation Water Management Technologies, Climate Smart Agricultural Solutions, Nutrient Management, and Soil Health Demonstration Trial priority areas.  OFT is accepting applications via Grants.gov through September 22, 2022.

The CIG Classic program will award up to $15 million for projects proposing solutions to support producer adaptation to extreme weather events; building resilience through emerging production systems for climate smart agriculture; combating invasive species; and conservation in urban agricultural systems.  CIG Classic is accepting applications via Grants.gov through October 11, 2022.

Both programs are setting aside at least 10% of funding to proposals benefiting Historically Underserved (HU) producers or entities.  Qualifying HU applicants may be eligible for a reduced project cost-share. Learn more by visiting the NRCS CIG Homepage or contacting us at nrcscig@usda.gov.