Cooperative Agriculture
🏛 Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI-FWS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for private individuals and small business entities interested in conducting agricultural practices on National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) lands. Applicants must work cooperatively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support conservation and habitat management goals. Activities include producing wildlife food, establishing cover types for waterfowl, or restoring natural habitat. Pre-application coordination is required before submitting an application.
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Program description
The objectives for the use of cooperative agriculture in the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) are: production or modification of specific cover types or growing methods that meet the life history requirements of species for which we have established objectives (e.g., waterfowl production); production of foods for wildlife species for which we have established objectives; and/or maintenance, rehabilitation, or reestablishment of natural habitat. Cooperative agriculture is when a person or entity conducts agricultural practices on NWRS lands in support of the Service’s conservation and resource management objectives and there is substantial involvement between the Service and that person or entity. The NWRS uses cooperative agreements, known as Cooperative Agriculture Agreements (CAAs), as the legal instruments to formalize the agreement between the Service and the program participant. The cost-sharing of a person or entity in cooperative agricultural on NWRS lands can vary depending on the needs and objectives of the particular NWRS land. For example, the Service may provide the cooperator with the right to perform agricultural practices on NWRS land and a percentage of any resulting crop yield, as well as the ability to use Service water, equipment, and/or refuge staff. In exchange, the cooperator may provide the Service with labor, equipment, and materials; a percentage of any resulting crop yield; and/or maintenance, rehabilitation, or reestablishment of specific habitat conditions on NWRS lands. In addition to or instead of cost-sharing, the Service may accept bids for payment for the person or entity’s agriculture use (e.g. haying or grazing) on NWRS lands in compliance with the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act. This is a nonfinancial assistance program. No Federal funds are obligated or awarded to program participants. Because a CAA is not a financial assistance award, it is not subject to the regulations at 2 CFR 200 or policy in parts 515 and 516 of the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project proposal or concept detailing agricultural practices and conservation goals
- Description of cost-sharing or contribution arrangement (labor, equipment, materials, habitat work)
- Evidence of pre-application coordination with the Wildlife Refuge
- Proof of business registration or individual identification
Program contact
- 👤 Fish and Wildlife Service
- 📧 christian_myers@fws.gov
- 📞 22041-3803
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 15.681 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Private individuals and small business entities can apply. You must be willing to conduct agricultural practices on NWRS lands in partnership with the Fish and Wildlife Service.
What type of support does this grant provide?
This is a nonfinancial assistance program. No federal funds are awarded. Instead, you receive a cooperative agreement that may include access to refuge land, equipment, or water in exchange for labor, materials, or habitat restoration work.
What agricultural activities are supported?
The program supports wildlife food production, cover type modification for waterfowl, and habitat maintenance or restoration on NWRS lands in line with Service conservation objectives.
Is cost-sharing required?
Cost-sharing is not required. The arrangement varies by refuge based on conservation needs and may include crop yield sharing, use of Service resources, or bids for agricultural use rights.
What is the application process?
Pre-application coordination with your local Wildlife Refuge is required. Contact the refuge manager or the Fish and Wildlife Service regional office in your state to discuss your proposal before submitting a formal application.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your local National Wildlife Refuge before applying. Pre-application coordination is mandatory and helps align your plans with refuge priorities.
- Clearly explain how your proposed agricultural practices support the refuge's conservation goals for wildlife habitat or species.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the specific refuge where you want to operate. Different refuges have different conservation objectives and cost-sharing arrangements.
- Be prepared to discuss what you'll contribute (labor, equipment, materials) and what resources you need from the Service.
- Review the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act rules if you're interested in bidding for grazing or haying rights on NWRS lands.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without pre-application coordination with the refuge. Proposing agricultural activities that don't align with the specific refuge's conservation and species management objectives. Unclear about the nonfinancial nature—this is not a traditional grant with direct federal funding.
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