Funds available for conservation research
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey recently announced the State Soil Conservation Committee Research and Demonstration Fund has assistance available to support research or education/demonstration projects that explore sustainable agriculture and projects focused on reducing nonpoint pollution. Funds are available to collaborative teams of scientists, farmers, institutions, soil and water conservation districts and educators.
Applications must be submitted to the State Soil Conservation Committee by May 22, 2015. A July 1 start date for selected projects is anticipated. Proposals must address issues of nonpoint pollution control. Successful projects should be focused on sustaining and improving environmental quality or the natural resource base on which agriculture depends. Applications should also explain how the projects would enhance the quality of life for farmers, rural communities, and society as a whole.
Proposals should clearly explain expected outcomes for the project and how they will assist in working toward these objectives, how project outcomes will be evaluated, and the impact of projects.
“We are looking for projects that make a contribution to the greater good and help us continue towards our goal of better soil and water protection,” said Jean Eells, a member of the State Soil Conservation Committee.
Funding level for the grant program is established by the State Soil Conservation Committee and it is anticipated that $150,000 will be available this year. Individual grants cannot exceed $50,000 total over a two-year period.
More information about applying for assistance can be found at www.IowaAgriculture.gov by clicking on “Conservation” at the top of the page. Interested applicants can also contact Tarrita Spicer with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5851 orTarrita.spicer@iowaagriculture.gov. The State Soil Conservation Committee has operated this program for several years and there are currently 15 active grant projects.
