The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners it is now accepting project proposals through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis.
This $1.5 billion investment, being made available through the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, is enabling NRCS to boost funding for RCPP.
There are two separate funding opportunities, RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (RCPP-AFA). RCPP Classic projects are implemented using NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities in collaboration with project partners. Through RCPP AFA, 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 will set aside $100 million for Tribal-led projects to be used between both funding opportunities.
The 2024 RCPP funding priorities are climate-smart agriculture, urban agriculture, conservation, and environmental justice. These projects in turn can save farmers money, create new revenue streams, and increase productivity.
NRCS will be hosting two more webinars in May to provide additional information. Project proposals will be accepted until July 2, 2024. Learn more on the RCPP website.?