The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be investing $15 million in the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic program. Through CIG, grantees work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while supporting agricultural production. But a reminder, applications are being accepted until October 11, 2022. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart …
ECP Program for Natural Disaster Assistance
When natural events like hurricanes come in and cause significant damage to farms, there are a few federal programs that may be able to help. One of which is the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). It helps farmers and ranchers repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters through funding and technical assistance. For land to qualify for ECP funds, the damage …
Florida EQIP, RCPP Application Deadlines are September 30
Florida agricultural producers and landowners have until Friday, September 30 to apply for funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications, through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida, are accepted throughout the year but farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forestland managers are urged to apply for this funding cycle. Any applications received after the deadline will be considered for …
Signup Continues for Conservation Easements in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia wants to remind landowners across the state that signup continues for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2023. To be considered for the upcoming fiscal year’s funding pool, applications must be submitted by October 7, 2022. The ACEP, created through the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, is …
Pork Board Receives $155 Million in Climate-Smart Funds
The National Pork Board (NPB) received three grants totaling $155 million as part of the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding. The three grants are part of the $2.8 billion awarded to 70 selected projects in the first round of funding for the program. The first grant, valued at $20 million, will incentivize soil health and manure management practice adoption and support …
RIPE Awarded $80 Million for Pilot Conservation Program
A big boost for a rural environment project. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) and its partners have been awarded $80 million for a pilot program by USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. RIPE is a producer-led organization advancing RIPE 100. It’s a conservation program that would pay producers $100 per …
USDA Announces Climate-Smart Partnership Projects
USDA is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement this week. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to talk about farmers, ranchers, and producers who are on the frontlines of climate change, feeling the impacts on a daily basis,” …
USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Signup for Conservation Easements
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia has announced sign-up is underway for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2023. To be considered for the upcoming fiscal year’s funding pool, applications must be submitted by October 7, 2022. The ACEP, created through the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, is a program that has two …
EQIP Application Deadline Extended to September 30 in Florida
Florida agricultural producers and landowners have more time to apply to participate in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for the current funding cycle. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has announced the signup has been extended to September 30, 2022. Juan C. Hernandez, Florida State Conservationist, notes the extension will allow more farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forestland managers to …
USDA Investing in Innovative Projects for Climate-Smart Agriculture
Earlier this month, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced it will invest $15 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic program. Through CIG, grantees work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while supporting agricultural production. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agriculture, addressing invasive species and …