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 …
USDA Invests in Conservation Innovation Grants
The USDA has 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. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (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 …
USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Sign-Up for Conservation Easements Program
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced a sign-up for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2024. The ACEP is a program that has two components, known as Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). Georgia State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph said, “ACEP is a great way for landowners and eligible entities to conserve, …
Conservation Funding Opportunities Available through CSP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds producers and private landowners there are several assistance opportunities through some of their key programs. That includes the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which helps you build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation. Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, NRCS can custom design a CSP plan to …
EPA Amends WOTUS Rule; NCBA Responds
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says in order to conform to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case, it and the U.S. Department of the Army are amending the 2023 definition of “Waters of the United States”(WOTUS) rule (.pdf). EPA Administrator Michael Regan says while he’s “disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision in the Sackett case, EPA and Army have an obligation to …