USDA invests $50M toward improving equity in conservation programs, addressing climate change
The USDA is spending $50 million in 118 partnerships to expand access to conservation assistance for climate-smart agriculture and forestry, according to a news release.
The Equity Conservation Cooperative Agreements will fund two-year projects to expand the delivery of conservation assistance to farmers who are new to farming, low income, socially disadvantaged or military veterans, according to the release.
The release said projects in the program focus on these conservation priorities:
- Improving soil health and water quality;
- Providing habitat for at-risk wildlife;
- Improving natural resources and productivity on agricultural lands; and
- Building and strengthening local and regional food systems and markets.
A full list of the partnerships is available online.
