The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently seeking public input on how to improve conservation practice standards. NRCS is looking to maximize climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits, as supported by peer-reviewed scientific literature. Conservation practices providing climate benefits are delivered through existing conservation programs. This includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and the Regional Conservation Partnership …
USDA Invests in Projects to Advance Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture
Last month, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced a historic $1.5 billion for 92 partner-driven conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and this includes projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Partners will provide $968 million in contributions to amplify the impact of the …
FDACS Highlights Agricultural Lands to be Preserved With Recently Announced Partner Funding
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Nov. 20, 2024) — Following the Florida Conservation Group’s recent announcement of $47 million in state and federal funding to preserve active agriculture operations in the Peace River Valley region, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is highlighting four proposed agricultural conservation projects that will receive funding. These agricultural operations in Southwest Florida will be permanently preserved from future development, as …
Ducks Unlimited, Sorghum Producers to Promote Water Conservation
Ducks Unlimited (DU) and National Sorghum Producers (NSP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperatively promote water conversation. This MOU aims to develop and expand a framework of cooperation between DU and NSP uniquely focused on water savings and market innovation. The partnership will support agricultural producers and surrounding rural communities by promoting water-efficient practices, expand critical waterfowl habitat that also …
Signup for Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Continues
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds landowners and eligible entities that signup continues for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). While those interested can apply at any time, to be considered for the FY 2025 IRA funding opportunities, complete and eligible applications must be received by the following National cutoff dates for both Wetland Reserve …
Hendry County, Florida Ranch Preserved Through RFLPP
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced the preservation of more Florida agricultural land through their Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). Howard Cattle Corporation, a 754-acre cattle operation in Hendry County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $4,145,000. Howard Cattle is a 754-acre commercial cow/calf and quarter horse breeding operation in Hendry County. The property is …
Georgia NRCS Reminder of EQIP Sign-Up Due to Hurricane Helene
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) wants to remind livestock producers affected by Hurricane Helene that signup continues for a new Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in 55 counties. Those producers applying for Hurricane Helene EQIP related assistance will need to apply by Friday, November 15th to ensure timely use of special funds made available due to the storm. This Hurricane Helene EQIP related sign-up …
USDA NASS, NRCS Gathering Info on Conservation Practices
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has been reaching out to almost 12,000 farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners nationwide, which includes just over 200 of those being from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. This effort is to gather in-depth information about the conservation practices they use through the 2024 Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) survey. …
EQIP Sign-Up Continues in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) reminds agricultural and forest producers that sign-up for a fiscal year 2025 statewide federal assistance opportunity continues. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) sign-up runs through November 15, 2024. While applications are accepted year-round, this ranking date announcement is for all general EQIP, special initiatives, as well as the IRA-funded Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry mitigation activities that address …
Signup Deadline for Alabama’s Financial Assistance Programs is Friday
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) wants to remind landowners and agricultural producers the initial Fiscal Year 2025 financial assistance programs signup deadline is Friday, November 1, 2024. The applicable programs include the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), also (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts (CIC) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). CSP …