The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has seen record interest in the conservation and clean energy programs that received funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA made nearly $20 billion available over five years for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to address continuous high demand for popular conservation programs. This will help farmers and ranchers implement expanded conservation practices …
Funding Opportunities through Conservation Innovation Grants
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced the availability of $65 million through two funding opportunities to further natural resource conservation on private lands. Through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, NRCS is being directed to prioritize CIG On-Farm Trials projects that use diet and feed management to reduce enteric methane emissions from ruminants, as well as other projects that have climate …
Deadlines Approaching for AIM for Climate Components
Some important deadlines are coming up for USDA climate programs. Rod Bain has more in today’s This Land of Ours Report. What’s the latest news from the agriculture innovation mission for climate? The US-United Arab Emirates co-chaired AIM for Climate Initiative sponsors a webinar the last week of September on the food systems and agriculture innovation agenda highlighting the upcoming …
Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Cost-Share Assistance for Agricultural Producers Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
~ Maximum grant for eligible producers raised from $50,000 to $150,000 ~ (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 21,2023) — Today, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced a cost-share assistance program to support agricultural producers severely impacted by Hurricane Idalia. The cost-share assistance program will be administered though the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy and will support …
Conservation Innovation Grant Opportunities Available
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has made available $65 million through two funding opportunities to further natural resource conservation on private lands. It’s all through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, where NRCS is prioritizing CIG On-Farm Trials projects that use diet and feed management to reduce enteric methane emissions from ruminants, as well as other projects that have climate mitigation benefits. …
DeSantis, Cabinet Back Conservation Deals
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 18, 2023) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet on Monday quickly approved $141 million in deals that will help preserve land from the Panhandle to Southwest Florida. During a meeting held by telephone, DeSantis and Cabinet members supported three land purchases under the Florida Forever program. They also approved buying three conservation easements, which help preserve …
USDA Announces Projects to Boost Access to Green Space for Millions
Historic funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act will increase urban tree cover, boost equitable access to nature, and improve climate resilience in communities covered by the Justice40 Initiative (USDA/WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2023) — Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service is awarding more than $1 billion in competitive grants to plant and maintain …
DeSantis and Florida Cabinet Tee Up Conservation Deals
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 13, 2023) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet next week could approve spending more than $141 million to conserve 42,000 acres of land from the Panhandle to the Devil’s Garden area southwest of Lake Okeechobee. During a telephone meeting Monday, DeSantis and the Cabinet will consider three land purchases through the Florida Florida program, including a …
Florida Agricultural Landowners Encouraged to Apply for EQIP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS in FL) wants landowners affected by Hurricane Idalia to know they can provide assistance through conservation program contracts. More specifically, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) conservation practices can help agricultural landowners and producers address disaster related resource concerns on their land. “The Natural Resources Conservation Service remains committed to helping the people of Florida …
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers and Livestock Producers in Florida Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
Florida agricultural operations that have been impacted by Hurricane Idalia and related weather events are being reminded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) there is both technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist …