After rigorous review of nearly 400 applicants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded a $500,000 Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) to the Environmental Resources Coalition in October 2009.

ERC’s project for Evaluating and Practicing Innovative Conservation---EPIC will examine whether best management practices for nutrient reductions in water runoff are actually protecting the environment and benefiting agriculture.

With the help of stakeholder groups within the Ag community, the utilities industry and government agencies, EPIC will also develop a concept model for environmental trading that will be suitable for use in the state of Missouri.

The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) is a significant partner and strong supporter of the EPIC mission. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the research arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ARS will contribute in-kind and analytical services to the project. Other partners include the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and MO-AG, the Missouri Agri-business Association.

CIG grants are designed to fund projects that develop cutting-edge technologies aimed at helping farmers conserve and sustain natural resources. All told, $18 million grant dollars will be used on 55 projects nationwide to address issues such as water quality and quantity, grazing lands, soil and forest health, and air quality.