Looking for financial help to adopt conservation practices on your farm? A new online tool is making it easier than ever for Illinois growers to connect with cost-share programs tailored to their operation. Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP)’s Financial Incentives Database (FIND) Tool helps connect farmers with the different payment opportunities that are available for adopting conservation practices.
ISAP, formed in 2017 to help meet the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, is a coalition of 19 organizations—including the University of Illinois Extension, American Farmland Trust, Illinois Farm Bureau, Precision Conservation Management, and many others—working together to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health, and protect water quality.
The Financial Incentives Database (FIND) Tool was launched last year as a one-stop shop for growers looking for cost-share programs to help cover the costs of implementing conservation practices. Growers can select the county their farm is located in, the type of operation they have (livestock, row crop, or specialty crops), and then the practices they are interested in using. Based on the selections, the tool will display the programs available to that grower. The tool covers both in-field practices—like cover crops and reduced tillage—and edge-of-field practices—like buffer strips, grassed waterways, and bioreactors. Other practices include prescribed grazing, pasture planting, agroforestry, and nutrient management.
The FIND Tool also allows growers to compare two programs side-by-side to determine what is best for their needs. The tool includes detailed information about state and federal programs as well as private programs, like climate smart commodity programs and carbon programs.
For instance, a row crop farmer in LaSalle County interested in in-field and edge-of field management practices could find up to 28 different funding opportunities—including both state and federal options. The ability to compare programs side-by-side means farmers can easily find the best option for their specific operation, which is especially useful when comparing carbon programs that often have different requirements, contract lengths, and payment structures.
With more updates planned later this year, the FIND Tool is set to become an even more powerful resource for farmers. To stay in the loop on new resources, educational events, and learning opportunities, visit ISAP’s website or subscribe to their monthly newsletter.
Emily Hansen is a Commercial Agriculture Educator with University of Illinois Extension, serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties. Emily provides research-based educational programs that empower growers to make sustainable choices on their farms.