The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be investing in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions. The NRCS is accepting project proposals until July 2, 2024 through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). It is designed to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis.
The $1.5 billion investment is being made available through the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history, which has enabled NRCS to boost funding for RCPP.
There are two separate funding opportunities, RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (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.
The 2024 RCPP funding priorities are 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.
NRCS will be hosting webinars to provide additional information. Learn how to participate on the RCPP website.