USDA announced that it is investing $831,000 in Missouri through two grants that will help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to accelerate innovation in private lands conservation. The two grants to the University of Missouri are among $15.7 million being awarded to 47 entities nationwide.
Recipients of USDA's Conservation Innovation Grants will demonstrate innovative approaches to improve soil health, air and water quality, conserve energy, and enhance wildlife habitat in balance with productive agricultural systems. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service administers this competitive grants program.
One of the Missouri grants will provide $367,913 to focus on an innovative waste heat recovery system in poultry barns that could result in energy savings for poultry farmers. The other Missouri grant will provide $463,167 to focus on building soil health through innovative cover crop practices while enhancing pollinator and wildlife habitat.
"Conservation Innovation Grants promote creativity and problem-solving to benefit conservation-minded farmers and ranchers," said State Conservationist J.R. Flores. "These grants spark new ideas and techniques for conservation on private lands."
The grants are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Grantees must work with producers and forestland owners to develop and demonstrate the new technologies and approaches.
At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient.
NRCS has offered this grant program since 2004, investing in ways to demonstrate and transfer efficient and environmentally friendly farming and ranching. In the past years, the grants have helped develop trading markets for water quality and have shown how farmers and ranchers may use fertilizer, water and energy more efficiently.
For more on this grant program, visit the Conservation Innovation Grants webpage at www.usda.gov.