USDA offers conservation grants to Missouri farmers

USDA offers conservation grants to Missouri farmers

Missouri farmers can apply for a grant that could fund up to 50 percent of conservation projects. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announced Friday that it anticipates having $750,000 available for the Conservation Innovation Grant program. Individual grants can be up to $75,000. A small portion of the money, 10 percent, is set aside to fund applications from beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers or community organizations representing those groups. The applications must fall into one of two categories, natural resource concerns, including soil and water resource protection, or technology, including energy efficiency and improved nutrient management. For more information, contact the USDA at (573) 876-0908 or online at www.ncrs.usda.gov/program/cig.