The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service distributed a news release on PR Newsire today that says the agency will fund conservation projects around the nation to the tune of $15 million.

The release featured comments from the California State Conservationist, Ed Burton, who encouraged California farmers and researchers to apply.

"This is a real opportunity for our University of California, California State University and Cooperative Extension offices to help expand our knowledge in key issues facing farmers and ranchers," Burton was quoted in the release.

The competitive Conservation Innovation Grants will fund projects related to:

• Farms and ranches with emerging and traditional ag and natural resource issues
• Market-based approaches to energy conservation
• Methods of tackling climate change
• Solutions to improve water, soil and air quality
• Nutrient management
• Wildlife habitat enhancement
• Pollinator population enhancement

Ten percent of the funding is being set aside for beginning farmers and ranchers, limited resource farmers or ranchers, Indian tribes or community-based organizations that serve these groups, the release said.

Applicants must submit pre-proposals to NRCS national headquarters in Washington, D.C., by April 26.

For details and eligibility requirements, see the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program Web site.