USDA Invests $65 Million in 34 Conservation Innovation Projects to Help Farmers Improve Operations and Conserve Natural Resources
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on October 23 that it is investing $65 million in 34 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects, which support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is awarding up to $50 million for 16 CIG On-Farm Trials projects and up to $15 million for 18 CIG Classic projects. Through On-Farm Trials, partners focus on widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers, with incentive payments provided to producers to offset the risk of trying new approaches. Through CIG Classic, partners develop new tools, technologies and strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands and develop market-based solutions to resource challenges. CIG is supported by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which increased funding for farm bill conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which funds CIG.
"Conservation Innovation Grants help turn innovative ideas into practical conservation solutions for America's farmers and ranchers," said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. "By investing in these new technologies, NRCS is leveraging partners to develop new tools, technologies and strategies that support next generation conservation efforts to keep working lands in working hands for generations to come."
Among the awarded projects, one in Idaho uses an innovative virtual fencing system that relies on locally deployed radio beacons rather than GPS to support small and mid-sized livestock operations, examining how the technology improves herd and flock management and grazing control. Another project in Illinois will use field experiments, sensors and weather data to develop a decision tool to help farmers determine when and where to apply nitrogen to increase profitability, reduce waste and improve soil health. Since 2004, NRCS has invested $594 million through CIG to fund 957 innovative projects and 480 partners, USDA said. A full list of the 34 projects is available on the CIG website.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Montana 州农田水域与湿地景观（资料图）。Lance Cheung 摄，美国农业部（USDA）公共领域图片，经 Wikimedia Commons 发布。 / Farmland water and wetland landscape in Montana (file photo). Photo by Lance Cheung, U.S. Department of Agriculture, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
