Environmental project funds ready

DES MOINES ? The State Soil Conservation Committee Research and Demonstration Fund has assistance available to support research or education/demonstration projects exploring 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 Aug. 31 and funding decisions will be made in September.

Funding level for the grant program is established by the State Soil Conservation Committee, and it is anticipated $150,000 will be available this year. Individual grants cannot exceed $75,000 total during a three year period.

More information can be found at www.IowaAgriculture.gov and then click on ?Conservation? at the top of the page. Interested applicants also can contact Tarrita Spicer with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5851 or Tarrita.spicer@iowaagriculture.gov.