Irrigation management technologies included in USDA grant program 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making $65 million available through its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program to accelerate the development and adoption of new conservation technologies and practices on private agricultural lands.  

The program offers two funding opportunities: 

• CIG Classic: Supports development of new tools, technologies and strategies for conservation. 

• CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials: Focuses on adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation practices. 

For fiscal year 2026, NRCS is making $50 million available for CIG On-Farm Trials and $15 million for CIG Classic. 

CIG On-Farm Trials priorities for fiscal year 2026: 

• Irrigation water management technologies 

• Nutrient management 

• Grazing lands 

• Soil health demonstration trials 

CIG Classic priorities for fiscal year 2026: 

• Water management 

• Conserving ecosystems by managing pest pressure 

• Soil 

• Habitat improvement 

• Farmer-focused conservation outcomes 

Applications are due July 27, 2026.