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Press Release

Texas NRCS Announces Funding for State Innovation Grants

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Center pivot irrigation on a cotton crop in Texas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today $1 million investment to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on Texas agricultural land.

Temple, TX, March 21, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today $1 million investment to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on Texas agricultural land. Texas NRCS is accepting proposals through May 20, 2022, for state Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG provides a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.

“These grants offer an opportunity to promote public-private partnerships and support the agency’s agenda to provide innovative technologies and approaches to environmental enhancement and protection on working agriculture lands,” said Kristy Oates, Texas State Conservationist.

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 Texas.  Project proposals should demonstrate the use of innovative technologies or approaches to address a natural resource concern.  This year’s priorities are urban & small farm agriculture conservation, innovation in agricultural systems, technology, testing, outreach, and partnerships for the broad-scale application of climate smart agriculture, and innovation in natural resource assessment leading to improved conservation planning and application efficiency.

Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov  offsite link image    by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 20, 2022.   Project proposals will be evaluated with the assistance of Program and Technical NRCS Staff based on the criteria identified in the request for proposal.

Applicants to share at least 50% of total project costs. Special considerations exist for some historically underserved applications.  Cost sharing may be achieved with contributions of cash, services, materials, equipment, or third-party in-kind contributions. Additional information, the Request for Proposals and related forms are located on the Web at grants.gov.

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