Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they were investing $50 million in 118 partnerships to expand access to conservation assistance for climate-smart agriculture and forestry.
The Equity Conservation Cooperative Agreements, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 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. Projects will support USDA’s broader effort to address climate change and equitable access to programs.
NRCS Chief Terry Cosby told Southeast AgNet this is all designed to help people understand and become aware of the programs that are available.
The partnerships include the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund which expands the Regional Agro Forestry Center (RAFC) to include climate smart agriculture, participation in conservation easements, heirs property consultations, forest management plans and certifications, and youth employment placement. This will take place in seven states, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
It is all part of USDA’s broader efforts to address inequity in program delivery.