COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking new proposals for cutting-edge projects that will provide new conservation opportunities with its Conservation Innovation Grants program. Through the CIG Program, Ohio will invest up to $150,000 for new projects.
Conservation Innovation Grants are competitive grants that stimulate the development and adoption of innovative approaches and technologies for conservation on agricultural lands. CIG uses Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or nongovernmental organizations, American Indian Tribes or individuals.
Producers involved in CIG funded projects must be EQIP eligible.
The 2017 focus areas for Ohio project proposals include: 1) innovative approaches that benefit historically underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers, beginning farmers and ranchers, and those with limited resources; 2) precision conservation tools that uncover opportunities for better input management (for example, nutrient management addressing source, timing, rate and placement) or address in-field vulnerabilities; and 3) water management technologies and approaches to maximize agricultural production, efficiency and minimize off-site impacts.
Potential applicants should review opportunity number USDA-NRCS-OH-CIG-17-01 for program funding that is available on www.grants.gov. Proposals are due by Feb. 17. Final CIG funding is subject to Fiscal Year 2017 funding availability.
— USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
