Indiana to further promote soil health management systems education and implementation with urban farmers

The Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District received $530,550 in federal funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP, CFDA 10.912), administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, with an award date of September 11, 2025, and completion deadline of June 30, 2030. This cooperative agreement funds Marion County's initiative to promote soil health management systems education and implementation specifically targeting urban farmers in Indiana. The award supports technical assistance and conservation planning services to eligible participants for implementing conservation practices that enhance soil health and environmental quality.

Under the EQIP framework, the funded activities will deliver conservation education, technical assistance, and implementation support for soil health practices adapted to urban agricultural production systems. The cooperative agreement enables the District to provide specialized outreach, planning, and design services to urban farming operations, helping participants adopt voluntary conservation practices that improve soil quality, environmental outcomes, and agricultural productivity. Performance will be conducted in Marion County, Indiana, over the five-year project period, with results subject to periodic monitoring and review by NRCS staff to ensure compliance and effective implementation of funded conservation activities.