The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week it is investing up to $12.5 million to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will accept proposals through July 30 for national Conservation Innovation Grants and through June 14 for State CIG funding opportunities. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests. Ultimately, they improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. All U.S.-based nonfederal entities and individuals are eligible to apply.

“Conservation Innovation Grants enable partners to co-invest with NRCS on the next generation of agricultural conservation solutions,” said state conservationist Karen A. Woodrich. “Conservation Innovation Grants have helped spur new tools and technologies to conserve natural resources, build resilience in their operations, and improve their bottom lines, and we’re excited to see what these proposals will offer.”