Deb Collins
PSC
Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved an Order (C-5600) issuing the 2024-2025 Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant (PRO-AG)program schedule and application materials.
Created through the Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Act, the PRO-AG program paves the way for awarding grants annually to accelerate rural economic development by helping to provide connectivity and supporting technology to farm sites in rural areas of Nebraska.
“We think there’s immense potential for innovative precision agriculture projects that could benefit from this funding opportunity,” said PSC Chair Dan Watermeier. “With over a million dollars available for the upcoming year, we encourage all eligible and interested parties to participate in the application process.”
The PRO-AG program is divided into two distinct subprograms: Connectivity, and Devices and Technology. Each subprogram is designed to fulfill a specific purpose. Applicants can submit multiple project proposals but must apply separately for each subprogram. Applications will be assessed individually. Each application will be considered on its own merits within the subprogram in which it is filed.
The available funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is $1,129,077.71. The amount will be divided equally among the two subprograms with $564,538.85 in grant funding available foreach. To date, the Commission has awarded over $678,000 in funding through the PRO-AGgrant program.
Commissioner Watermeier said, “The Precision Agriculture Grant Act allows for a broad range of eligible uses. We encourage prospective applicants to explore new ways that precision agriculture can be used to promote ag productivity in Nebraska.”
Application materials and a detailed program guide can be found on the Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program (PRO-AG) page of the PSC website. Applications for the2024-2025 program year open on December 13 and are due on or before January 17, 2025, at5:00 p.m., (CT). Applications should be emailed to < [email protected] >. Grants will be awarded by the end of April.