The USDA is accepting proposals through July 2 for projects that will help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis.
The projects could save farmers money, create new revenue streams and increase productivity, according to the USDA, which has set aside $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2024 to invest in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The climate investment, made through the farm bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, also allows USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to boost funding for the program, according to a news release.
USDA estimates its investments in climate-smart farming will support more than 180,000 farms and 225 million acres in the next five years.
“We had unprecedented demand for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program last year, showing the robust interest in conservation from farmers and ranchers,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the release. “We’re looking forward to seeing what the more streamlined and customer-oriented Regional Conservation Partnership Program can do to get more conservation on the ground in the coming months and years.”
The USDA will offer two funding opportunities:
- RCPP Classic, using NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities in collaboration with project partners.
- RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements, where the lead partner works directly with agricultural producers to support the development of innovative conservation approaches that would not otherwise be available under RCPP Classic.
NRCS says it will set aside $100 million for tribal-led projects to be used between both funding opportunities. RCPP funding priorities include climate-smart agriculture, urban agriculture, conservation and environmental justice.
Project proposals for RCPP are being accepted through the RCPP portal. Details on the RCPP Classic and RCPP AFA funding opportunities are available on Grants.gov.
