USDA seeks proposals for innovative conservation approaches on ag lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is seeking proposals through June 1 for On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (On-Farm Trials). On-Farm Trials, part of the agency’s Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG)  program, feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches.

“USDA is a leader in using the latest science, research and conservation tools to reduce the impacts of climate change,” said Carlos Suarez, NRCS State Conservationist in California. “We’re doing our part in helping America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the natural resources we all depend on, like clean air and water, while supporting the health and resiliency of their operations for the future. Conservation Innovations Grants are an important tool in the development of new and innovative technologies and systems to support agriculture and conservation.”

FY 2022 application period open for new applications

California CIG application packages are due via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST) on June 1, 2022. The agency anticipates making selections by June 30, 2022, and expects to execute awards  by August 19, 2022. FY 2022 USDA-NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants competition for California presentation will be available April 27, 2022. A total of up to $400,000 is available for the California CIG competition in FY 2022. Projects may be between one and three years in duration, with the maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2022 to be $150,000.

This program harnesses the expertise, resources and capacity of partner organizations nationwide to  help NRCS boost natural resource conservation on private lands and support climate smart agriculture.

A critical element of each On-Farm Trials project is the project evaluation. Partners must propose robust scientific approaches for their projects, resulting in data and analyses of the environmental, financial  and, to the extent possible, social impacts of the trials.

The CIG state component emphasizes projects that benefit a limited geographical area. Projects must involve producers who meet the EQIP eligibility requirements set forth in § 1466.6(b)(1) through (3).

How to apply

To apply, follow the requirements in the California CIG Announcement:

• Applications MUST be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.
• Submissions must be received by the submission due date of June 1, 2022, by 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST).
• See section D of the CIG Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information regarding how to submit an application.
• Required documents and instructions are available on Grants.gov. 

More information can be found on the California NRCS CIG website.