Deadline: 21-Jun-21
Natural Resources Conservation Service is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities for projects carried out in the state of South Dakota.
The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) to agricultural producers, into government technical manuals and guides, or to the private sector. CIG generally funds pilot projects, field demonstrations, and on-farm conservation research.
CIG funds the development and field testing, on-farm research and demonstration, evaluation, or implementation of:
- Approaches to incentivizing conservation adoption, including market-based and conservation finance approaches; and
- Conservation technologies, practices, and systems.
CIG Priorities
- Environmental Health and Productivity of Grazing Land
- Demonstrate and evaluate techniques, approaches or incentives that encourage adoption of science based grazing land improvements and soil health treatments. Methodologies for demonstrations may include case studies, surveys, and results from cooperatives. Projects can include existing tools and technology or the development of new ones.
- Organic Agriculture Systems
- Demonstration of no-till cropping system for organically grown crops for improved weed and erosion control (examples include non-chemical cover crop termination using crimp rollers, livestock, etc.). Systems must note how nutrient management goals are met and the overall economic impact of no-till versus tillage systems.
- Soil Health: Soil Health Management Systems (SHMS) are a collection of NRCS conservation practices that focus on maintaining or enhancing soil health by addressing soil health principles.
- Demonstrate the correlation of soil dynamic properties to soil health conditions under different land management systems.
- Demonstrate innovative approaches to incorporating cover crops in high intensity/high value cropping systems that address concerns such as delayed planting, pest issues, residue challenges, nitrogen availability challenges, and provide improved wildlife habitat.
- Water Quality/Quantity
- Develop and demonstrate strategies for working with stakeholders within an ag impaired watershed to improve the adoption of conservation practices and identify effectiveness using stream monitoring data.
- Demonstrate and document innovative approaches on irrigated lands to improve efficiencies and health of soil, including adapted irrigation system design, consideration of soil sodicity/salinity, nutrient management, irrigation water quality and quantity issues, and/or transition strategies from irrigated to nonirrigated systems.
Funding Information
- Estimated Funding: The total amount of Federal funding the agency expects to award through this opportunity is $150,000.00.
- Award Ceiling: $75,000
- Award Floor: $25,000
- Start Dates and Performance Periods: Projects may be between 1 and 3 years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on an estimated project start date of September 15, 2021.
- Number of Awards: The agency expects to make 2 award(s).
Eligibility Criteria
All U.S.-based non-Federal entities (NFE) and individuals, with the exception of Federal agencies, are eligible to apply for projects carried out in SD. The following entity types are eligible:
- City or township governments
- County governments
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)
- Private institutions of higher education
- Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education
- Special district governments
- State governments
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333031