Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
The state of Montana was awarded $50 million from the Environmental Protection Agency, of which $9 million is to be used for incentivizing resilient and regenerative agricultural practices across the state. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Montana’s economy. As a state, we are uniquely positioned to invest in emerging technologies that improve profitability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through smart fertilizer use, capture of wastes/pollutants before they reach water sources and the atmosphere, Montana can reduce its carbon footprint and build healthy resilient soils. Healthy soils play a large role in capturing & storing carbon as well as fostering long-term environmental benefits.
Through this program Montana Department of Agriculture plans to help producers continue to be leaders in innovation and stewards of Montana’s lands.
Incentivize Innovation in the Cattle and Beef Industry
This effort addresses reducing emissions from waste associated with feeding and processing beef, while building community, soil and industry resiliency. Improving efficiency by implementing equipment that will capture methane and convert it to energy, producing and using organic and local fertilizers are just a few examples of how this will be done.
Digestion of manure and similar wastes allows for the reuse of methane as energy and captures pollutants before they enter the atmosphere or water. The energy created from methane capture systems can be used to help reduce operation costs. The digested manure and wastes can be broken down into organic Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizers which can be used locally and help reduce transportation emissions. Furthermore, separating these fertilizers can aid with strategic application which can improve water quality and soil health.
The Incentivize Innovation in the Cattle and Beef Industry measure aims to distribute $9 million with a 1:1 match requirement. These grants are intended for the adoption of innovative technologies, and equipment intended to reduce GHG emissions, and to create higher industry standards.
Opportunities for grants are forthcoming.
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