Deadline: 27-Jul-2026
The On-Farm Innovation Conservation Program invites applications to support farm-based innovation projects that improve conservation practices across the United States. The programme focuses on testing and demonstrating practical, science-based conservation solutions directly on farms to improve environmental outcomes and strengthen sustainable agricultural systems.
The initiative supports irrigation efficiency, grazing management, nutrient optimisation, and soil health improvements through on-farm trials, technical assistance, and producer engagement.
Overview
This funding programme is designed to accelerate the adoption of innovative conservation practices in real farming environments. It enables producers to test new technologies and management approaches under practical conditions while receiving technical support and financial incentives.
Projects are expected to generate evidence on what works in improving conservation outcomes and promote wider adoption of effective practices across agricultural systems.
Funding Information
- Total program funding (FY 2026): Up to $50 million
- Individual award range: $250,000 to $5,000,000
- Project duration: 3 to 5 years
- Funding purpose: On-farm conservation innovation and demonstration
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Improve on-farm conservation practices
- Support adoption of innovative agricultural technologies
- Enhance irrigation and water management efficiency
- Promote sustainable grazing land management
- Improve soil health and nutrient management
- Support producer-led conservation trials
- Strengthen technical assistance for farmers
- Encourage long-term environmental sustainability in agriculture
Key Focus Areas
The programme prioritises innovation in:
- Irrigation management technologies
- Grazing land management systems
- Nutrient management practices
- Soil health demonstration trials
- On-farm conservation technology testing
- Producer-led innovation and evaluation
- Environmental performance improvement strategies
Programme Activities
Supported activities include:
- On-farm demonstration and pilot projects
- Recruitment of agricultural producers
- Delivery of technical assistance to farmers
- Incentive payments for adopting conservation practices
- Field-based evaluation of conservation innovations
- Data collection and impact assessment
- Development of scalable conservation models
Expected Outcomes
Projects are expected to:
- Improve adoption of conservation practices on farms
- Generate evidence on effective agricultural innovations
- Enhance soil and water quality outcomes
- Strengthen farmer capacity in conservation management
- Support long-term environmental sustainability
- Enable scalable models for wider agricultural use
Eligible Applicants
Eligible entities include:
- County governments
- City and township governments
- State governments
- Special districts
- Native American tribal governments and organizations
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit organisations (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
- For-profit organisations (excluding small businesses where applicable)
- Small businesses
Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement on-farm conservation projects and engage directly with agricultural producers.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation:
- Falls within an eligible entity category
- Has experience in agricultural or conservation programming
- Can operate within the United States agricultural context
Step 2: Design Project Approach
Develop a proposal that includes:
- On-farm conservation innovation activities
- Producer recruitment strategy
- Technical assistance framework
- Monitoring and evaluation plan
Step 3: Define Conservation Focus
Select priority areas such as:
- Irrigation efficiency
- Grazing management improvements
- Nutrient optimisation
- Soil health demonstration trials
Step 4: Submit Application
Prepare and submit a full proposal in line with programme requirements, including budget, timeline, and implementation strategy.
Tips for Applicants
- Focus on practical, scalable on-farm solutions.
- Engage producers early in project design and implementation.
- Include strong technical assistance components.
- Demonstrate measurable environmental benefits.
- Ensure robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Highlight innovation in conservation practices.
- Design models that can be replicated across regions.
Why This Programme Matters
Agriculture plays a central role in environmental sustainability, particularly in water use, soil health, and ecosystem conservation. This programme accelerates the adoption of innovative conservation practices by testing solutions directly on farms, ensuring that effective approaches are grounded in real-world conditions and scalable across diverse agricultural systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the total funding available?
- Up to $50 million for fiscal year 2026.
- What is the funding range per project?
- Between $250,000 and $5,000,000.
- How long can projects last?
- Between 3 and 5 years.
- What types of projects are supported?
- On-farm conservation innovation, demonstration trials, and technology testing.
- Who can apply?
- Governments, tribal organisations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and for-profit organisations, including small businesses.
- What are key focus areas?
- Irrigation management, grazing systems, nutrient management, and soil health.
- What is the main goal of the programme?
- To test and promote innovative conservation practices directly on farms.
Conclusion
The On-Farm Innovation Conservation Program supports large-scale agricultural innovation by funding on-farm trials that improve conservation practices. By combining producer engagement, technical assistance, and field-based experimentation, the programme strengthens sustainable agriculture and accelerates the adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices across the United States.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.