Applications sought for climate-smart program

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) have announced $67 million in funding to offer cost-share/financial incentives to producers and landowners who will implement no-till or strip-till starting in the fall of 2025.

The intent of the program is to promote the implementation of no-till and strip-till via the Partners for Conservation (PFC) Program and the State of Illinois Priority Climate Action Plan.  

“No-till and strip till practices improve soil health, reduce erosion and runoff, and lower long-term input costs,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “We appreciate the state and federal partnerships that bring grant funding to encourage conservation of Illinois’ fertile farmland.”

Pre-enrollment and applications are available online. Visit the IDOA website at agr.illinois.gov/ and select the CPRG Climate Smart Agriculture Program link on the home page.