Program Overview

The Crop & Livestock Research Grant Program is a state grant opportunity funded by the State Water Plan Fund. The State Water Plan Fund is a statutory fund (K.S.A. 82a-951) that was created by the 1989 Kansas Legislature for the purpose of implementing the State Water Plan (K.S.A. 82a-903) and is to be used for the establishment and implementation of water-related projects or programs and related technical assistance.

The State Water Plan is a comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous adaptive plan to address current water resources and to plan for future needs. It presents five guiding principles, which provide the foundation and framework for addressing water issues in Kansas, identifying the overarching challenges, and the steps needed to meet those challenges. Those principles are:

• Conserve and extend the High Plains Aquifer
• Secure, protect, and restore our Kansas reservoirs
• Improve the state’s water quality
• Reduce our vulnerability to extreme events
• Increase awareness of Kansas water resources

The Kansas Department of Agriculture seeks to fund projects that align with the first three guiding principles. Areas of particular interest include:

• Improving the performance and marketability of drought-tolerant crops
• Improving the ability of farmers to target inputs to reduce input requirements, increase effectiveness, and reduce nutrient runoff
• Agriculture technology, livestock feed/forage and water efficiency, and crop science innovations that reduce water use, improve water quality, or improve drought resilience

Crop & Livestock Research Grants

Applicants may request up to $100,000 per project, and projects can be up to two years in duration. KDA will provide preference to projects that appear likely to be completed within a one year period of performance. Matching funds are not required but applicants are encouraged to demonstrate organizational or partner support for their project in the application. Award amounts may be adjusted at the discretion of KDA.

This is a competitive, reimbursement-based grant program. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with the State Water Plan, potential impact on Kansas agriculture, feasibility, and measurable outcomes.

The application period for the next round of grants is expected to open this fall.