Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $90 million in 53 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects, which support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. This year, increased funds were available because of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which is funding CIG projects that address climate change, with a particular focus on innovative solutions to reduce livestock emissions of enteric methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is awarding over $69.7 million for CIG On-Farm Trials projects and over $20.2 million for CIG Classic projects. Secretary Vilsack announced the CIG grants during an Investing in America roundtable in Pennsylvania while highlighting USDA programs focused on innovative climate strategies. The Inflation Reduction Act provides $19.5 billion over five years to support USDA’s oversubscribed conservation programs, including CIG grants. The Inflation Reduction Act, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, represents American history’s single most significant investment in climate and clean energy solutions. This conservation funding flows directly into local communities and helps farmers receive financial assistance to buy equipment, hire labour, and take the necessary steps to implement these practices. This allows producers to reach their bottom line and lowers their costs for the implementation of conservation and climate-smart practices.