HONOLULU – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) selected the following two projects to help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to improve conservation on private lands.

Congratulations to the Kohala Center for the $74,857 project, “Soil fertility enhancement on Hawaii Island soils: Methods to increase productivity and plant health on sustainable and organic farms” and to the American Samoa Community College for the $2,500 project, “Pollinator and beneficial insect habitat: Installation of demonstration sites and development of a vegetation guide for conservation practices in American Samoa.”

“These two recipients are critical for developing and demonstrating out-of-the-box ideas for conservation on private lands and strengthening rural communities,” NRCS Acting Director Craig Derickson said. “They inspire creative problem-solving that boosts the production of our farmers and ranchers and ultimately improves our water, air and soil.”

NRCS has offered this grant program since 2004, investing in ways to demonstrate and transfer efficient and environmentally friendly farming and ranching. The grants are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and are awarded through a competitive process.

For more information about NRCS in the Pacific Islands Area, visit www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov.  USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Source: USDA media release