The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on April 6 that it would invest $40 million in 31 new projects through its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program.
The department also allocated an additional $19 million for two projects focused on nutrient management funded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
The announcement was made by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at Iowa State University in Ames—where he highlighted the development and adoption of new or innovative technologies and systems that will boost conservation efforts and agricultural production across the country, according to the department’s press release.
The investments are aimed at adopting and implementing climate-smart practices, including nutrient management, which help producers maximize their economic benefit while minimizing their environmental impact….