Press Release: USDA Accepts Grant Applications for Conservation Innovation Efforts

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.     Release No. 0018.14 Contact: Office of Communications (202)720-4623   USDA Accepts Grant Applications for Conservation Innovation Efforts   Grant Program Links Public, Private Groups to Improve the Environment and Preserve Resources   WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for competitive grants to develop and accelerate conservation approaches and technologies on private agricultural and forest lands. "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. "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." 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. Vilsack said priority will be given to applications that relate to nutrient management, energy conservation, soil health, air quality, climate change, wildlife, economics, sociology, environmental markets, food safety, historically underserved groups, or assessments of past CIG projects. 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. For example, 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. Ducks Unlimited and other partners used a grant to develop a carbon credit system for North Dakota landowners in the Prairie Pothole region, a crucial area for migrating waterfowl. The Wilds, a wildlife conservation center, also used a grant to demonstrate how a combination of warm-and cool-season grasses can be successfully incorporated into a productive, sustainable rotational grazing system. The grant program enables NRCS to work with public and private partners to accelerate technology development and adopt promising approaches to address natural resource concerns. Funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the grants are awarded through a competitive process. At least 50 percent of the total cost of grant projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient. For more on this grant opportunity, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cig/index.html. To apply electronically, visit www.grants.gov. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service helps America's farmers and ranchers conserve the nation's soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment. Follow NRCS on Twitter . Check out other conservation-related stories on the USDA Blog. Watch videos on NRCS' YouTube channel. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).  Contact Us   STAY CONNECTED:   SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences  |  Delete profile  |  Help This email was sent to jody.holzworth@wdc.usda.gov using GovDelivery, on behalf of: USDA Office of Communications · 1400 Independence Ave SW · Washington DC 20250 If you have questions about USDA activities, please visit our Ask the Expert page. This feature is designed to assist you in obtaining the information you are seeking. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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