University of Idaho offering environmental grants to farmers

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — While planting season might be a way out, it’s never too early for farmers to start planning.

The University of Idaho is offering the Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership (IAMP), which is a program that provides grants to farmers. The $31 million program seeks to offer financial incentives to various farmers.

“This is to cover producers of wheat, barley, potatoes, sugar beet, beef, hops, garbanzo or chickpeas,” Professor of Entomology Sanford Eigenbrode said.

Eigenbrode said the grants go toward helping farmers utilize climate-smart agricultural practices.

“Reduced tillage or no tillage or including something to diversify the cropping rotation,” Eigenbrode said.

Eigenbrode added this can also include inner-seeding, where another crop is grown within the main crop. The point of these practices is to help reduce carbon output and keep the soil healthy.

What enhances this program is that it features partners who support local farmers in implementing these practices and developing a strategy for the farmer.

The farmers can choose their partners and contract with them to help them.

“They came down and helped me with a grazing plan. They came and did some soil samples and then set up a test area so that we can have areas with and without,” said Kirk Vickery, an Emmett farmer. “So we can actually monitor the differences of the practices.”

Vickery said he signed up for the program to learn more sustainable practices and help the environment. He added that the financial incentive also helps, as farmers earn $38 to $74 per acre or $1 per head per day for livestock grazing.

The program also features data collection, something Vickery is excited about.

“How much do we reduce the carbon with each of these practices? What are the benefits? What’s the measurable benefits?” Vickery asked.

Applications are open until Feb. 21. Eigenbrode urges farmers to apply. It can also be found on the application if they have any questions.

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