Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials for fiscal year (FY) 2026
About
NRCS is announcing the availability of CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (On-Farm Trials). Through On Farm Trials projects, awardees recruit producers and provide them with technical assistance and incentive payments to stimulate the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches. For 2026, applications will be accepted from eligible entities for projects addressing at least one of the following priorities: irrigation management technologies, new and innovative grazing land management solutions, nutrient management, and soil health demonstration trial (SHD). Up to $50 million is available for On-Farm Trials in 2026. On-Farm Trials projects may be between 3 and 5 years in duration. Application deadline: Submit through Grants. gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 27, 2026. A webinar for On-Farm Trials applicants is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 3 p. m. Eastern Time. Information on how to participate in the Microsoft Teams webinar can be obtained through the following link: https://events. gcc. teams. microsoft. com/event/d5892e45-05fb-40de-999b-a431e3871963@ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697 The agency anticipates making selections by 4th quarter of calendar year 2026 and expects to execute awards by 4th quarter of calendar year 2026. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.
The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program is a federal initiative administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) designed to support agricultural innovation and sustainable farming practices. This grant program is ideal for for-profit agricultural businesses and nonprofit organizations with agricultural producer experience seeking to advance conservation adoption. Through this program, awardees recruit participating producers and provide technical assistance and incentive payments to encourage the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches. The FY 2026 cycle prioritizes four key areas: irrigation management technologies, new and innovative grazing land management solutions, nutrient management, and soil health demonstration trials. With up to $50 million available nationwide and individual project awards ranging from $250,000 to $5,000,000, this program offers substantial funding opportunities for organizations ready to implement 3 to 5-year conservation projects. Agricultural entrepreneurs and conservation-focused organizations should apply if they can demonstrate capacity to work with producers and advance one or more of the program's priority conservation areas.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
July 27, 2026
Award Amount
$250K - $5M
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
$250K - $5M
Deadline
2026-07-27
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (FY 2026 cycle; deadline July 27, 2026)
Best For
Agricultural businesses and nonprofits implementing conservation innovation trials with producers
Eligibility
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. On-Farm Trials is authorized under 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8 and is authorized as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The following applicants are considered ineligi
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials for fiscal year (FY) 2026?
For-profit entities whose primary business is related to agriculture are eligible, as are nonprofit entities with demonstrated experience working with agricultural producers. Applicants should verify complete eligibility requirements on the official NRCS website or Grants.gov, as the provided eligibility information was incomplete.
How much funding does Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials for fiscal year (FY) 2026 provide?
Individual project awards range from $250,000 to $5,000,000. The NRCS has allocated up to $50 million total for On-Farm Trials projects in FY 2026. Actual award amounts depend on project scope, quality, and priority alignment.
How do I apply for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials for fiscal year (FY) 2026?
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 27, 2026. An applicant webinar is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time via Microsoft Teams. Visit the official NRCS CIG website or Grants.gov for detailed application instructions and required documentation.
What can Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials for fiscal year (FY) 2026 funding be used for?
Funding supports on-farm conservation innovation trials addressing at least one priority area: irrigation management technologies, grazing land management solutions, nutrient management, or soil health demonstration trials. Projects involve recruiting producers, providing technical assistance, and offering incentive payments to stimulate adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches.
Last updated: July 5, 2026