By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) have announced the launch of a new $67 million CPRG Climate Smart Agriculture Program.
The initiative aims to encourage Illinois farmers and landowners to adopt no-till and strip-till practices, improving soil health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Pre-enrollment begins at 8 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and applications open at 8 a.m. CDT on Monday, October 27, 2025. The program will close at 11:59 p.m. CDT on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Farmers and landowners can apply online by visiting the IDOA website at agr.illinois.gov and selecting the “CPRG Climate Smart Agriculture Program” link.
Participants in the program will receive payments of $35 per acre each year for three consecutive years on the same fields. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis per county, with a cap of 3,000 acres per application. IDOA may adjust acreage limits to ensure equal participation across counties.
Local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff will assist with conservation planning, eligibility verification, and payment processing.
Applicants must not already be enrolled in other programs supporting no-till or strip-till practices, such as EQIP or CSP, and must have control of the land for the program’s duration.
IDOA Director Jerry Costello II highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “No-till and strip-till practices improve soil health, reduce erosion and runoff, and lower long-term input costs.”
The Climate Smart Agriculture Program is part of Illinois’ $430 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant initiative, which funds projects across five priority areas, including clean transportation, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture.
Together, these projects aim to reduce 57 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 25 years, reinforcing Illinois’ leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable farming.
Photo Credit: illinois-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy