Demonstration Projects (Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP))

Along with funding for agricultural operations, the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) allows county conservation districts and other delegated entities to allocate funding for demonstration projects.

A demonstration project can be used to explore new, unconventional project ideas or build support for typical practices that a county wants to prioritize. Featuring a more streamlined submission and approval process compared to typical ACAP projects, demonstration projects can be implemented without the more in-depth ACAP application submittal and ranking.

The following conditions must be met for this to occur:

Only technical assistance or administrative funds can be used for the project.
The project must follow existing program policies.
The project must be located on an ACAP-eligible agricultural operation.
The project must implement an agricultural best management practice that is listed in an approved plan.
The project must have district board approval.
A contract, memorandum of understanding, or other agreement with the landowner and/or operator must be in place.

The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training also coordinates demonstration projects. These projects provide an opportunity for research and staff education. Most demonstration projects include an innovative or atypical component.

Center staff are actively coordinating three demonstration projects focused on streambank stabilization, road-stream crossing culvert replacement, and access lane improvement. The projects are in various stages of implementation, with construction planned for 2025.