WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service is making $65 million available for fiscal year 2026 Conservation Innovation Grants, giving partners another round of funding to test and expand conservation tools on working farms and ranches.
The funding includes $50 million for CIG On-Farm Trials and $15 million for CIG Classic. NRCS says the program supports new tools, technologies, and strategies that help producers improve operations while conserving natural resources.
On-Farm Trials are designed to test innovative practices directly with producers, with incentive payments helping offset the risk of trying new approaches. This year’s priorities include irrigation water management, nutrient management, grazing lands, and soil health demonstration trials.
CIG Classic priorities include water management, pest pressure, soil, habitat improvement, and farmer-focused conservation outcomes.
Applications are open through July 27, 2026, on Grants.gov.
