On January 15, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA announced it is now accepting proposals for its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Program. Proposals are due by March 15.

It is anticipated that a total of up to $225,000 will be available to fund multiple one- to three-year projects. Single projects may be eligible to receive $5,000 to $75,000 in funding.

CIG is a voluntary program to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. Proposed projects should augment existing NRCS technical tools (planning, assessment/delivery) to better facilitate conservation on farms.

“As an Agency in a dynamic world we need to constantly adapt our technical tools to match them to the ever-evolving natural resource challenges found on Pennsylvania farms and in Pennsylvania forests,” says NRCS Pennsylvania State Conservationist Denise Coleman. “CIG grants are a great way to open ourselves to the ingenuity available in both public and private partners and organizations.”

CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches to agricultural producers, into NRCS technical manuals and guides, or to the private sector.

CIG generally funds pilot projects, field demonstrations, and innovative ways to transfer conservation methods from one geographic area or agricultural sector to another.

In 2021, Pennsylvania NRCS is prioritizing proposals that improve the “technical toolbox” to address the following on-farm resource concerns: soil health, water quality, urban farming, and non-industrial private forestland.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the complete announcement to better match their proposals to these needs.

Visit the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Program webpage for more information.

Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process.  Eligible applicants include state and local government, nongovernment organizations, eligible private business, and individuals.

Contact Ashley Lenig at Ashley.lenig@usda.gov, or call 717-237-2204, for additional information or to apply.

Visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA for more information on landowner technical and financial assistance available.

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[Posted: January 15, 2021]

1/18/2021