Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Trial (OFT)
Open Opportunities (1)
Live Grants.gov opportunities funded under this program — you can apply now.
- Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials for fiscal year (FY) 2026 Deadline: Jul 27, 2026 · up to $5M
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects present innovations that result in the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and inventive approaches to agricultural producers, into technical manuals and guides and for practical use in the private sector.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Tribal Government (other)
- Local Government Consortium
- Nonprofit Organization
- For-Profit Organization
- County Government
- U.S. State Government
- Other
For-Profit entities are eligible for On-Farm Trials if their primary business is related to agriculture. Nonprofit entities are eligible for On-Farm Trials if they have experience working with agricultural producers. Non-federal governmental organizations are eligible. Individuals, federal entities, and foreign entities are not eligible applicants. Foreign entities are not eligible applicants.
Beneficiaries
- Other
Agricultural producers whose land is involved in the project must be in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions and in compliance with the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) payment limitations.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
The chief of NRCS is the approving official. The approving official will make the final award selections and risk reviews will be conducted before an agreement is finalized.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 120 to 180 days
Program details & compliance
Description
The purpose of On-Farm Trials is to stimulate the evaluation and adoption of innovative
conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. On-Farm Trials funding is designed to provide technical assistance and incentive payments to producers to help compensate for risks associated with implementing new conservation practices, systems, and approaches.
Mission Categories
Primary: Agricultural Resource Conservation and Development
Other categories:
Water ConservationLand and Forest ConservationEarth and Environment
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
On-Farm Trials projects should develop and lead to the adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production in the United States. All large portion of the funding should be used for incentive payments to agriculture producers.
Restrictions
Indirect costs are not allowed.
Required Documentation
Annual notice of funding opportunity is posted to grants.gov detailing required criteria and documentation.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
The CIG Program is in the Food Security Act of 1985.