The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $65 million in 34 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects nationwide, including two projects in Iowa, which support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.  
 
USDA is awarding up to $50 million for 16 CIG On-Farm Trials projects and up to $15 million for 18 CIG Classic projects. Through CIG On-Farm Trials, partners focus on widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative 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.  

One project including Iowa will use field experiments, sensors, weather data, and other field 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.  

The other project including Iowa will develop decision-support and suitability tools to guide drainage water recycling (DWR) siting, design, and implementation, providing producers and conservation professionals with practical tools to increase adoption of on-farm water storage and reuse systems.
 
A full list of CIG project grants is available on the CIG website.  

Since 2004, USDA has invested $594 million to fund 957 innovative projects and 480 partners through CIG. For more information visit the CIG website.