The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has opened the application period for its Healthy Soil Program grants. Applications are being accepted online from January 16 until noon on March 20, Mountain Time.
The program is open to a range of applicants. Eligible entities include tribal governments, acequias, land grants, soil and water conservation districts, New Mexico State University—Cooperative Extension Service, and other local governmental bodies with experience in land management. Individuals, businesses, and nonprofits involved in farming, ranching, or other forms of land management can also apply.
To assist applicants with the process, NMDA will hold two webinars on January 27 focused on completing the online grant application. Registration is required for these sessions. Details about registration and the application process are available at https://nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/healthy-soil-program.html.
Healthy Soil Program grants fund projects that use one or more of five soil health principles: keeping soil covered; minimizing disturbance and external inputs; maximizing biodiversity; maintaining a living root; and integrating animals into land management. Typical project activities include cover cropping, compost application, bale grazing, among others.
Funded projects may start as early as July 15 and must be completed by September 30, 2027.
“Farmers, ranchers and other land managers who invest in their soil are investing in the long-term resilience of their operations,” said New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte. “NMDA’s Healthy Soil Program incentivizes the adoption of soil health practices on managed lands throughout the state.”
Applications must be submitted online by noon on March 20. Late submissions or incomplete or paper applications will not be considered.
More information about the program and upcoming webinars can be found at https://nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/healthy-soil-program.html.
