The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applications for up to $20 million in grants for the Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program to facilitate the creation of new, innovative markets for carbon credits. This could provide additional revenue sources for producers to use to address natural resource conservation challenges, according to the USDA.
In past years, CIG has helped fund the development of the basic infrastructure of environmental markets and conservation finance projects that engage farmers and ranchers. This year, USDA, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking applications for projects that will build on these efforts by maturing and scaling markets and accelerating efforts to leverage private capital and investment in private lands conservation.
Improved quantification tools, multi-resource crediting and projects that substantively engage corporate or financial partners are the types of activities NRCS is pursuing.
NRCS will accept pre-proposals for initial review before inviting entities to submit full proposals. Pre-proposals are due Tuesday, Feb. 24. To apply electronically, visit http://www.grants.gov or contact a local NRCS office.