The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind producers there is still time to respond to the Conservation Practice Adoption Motivations Survey over the coming weeks. In late May, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed the survey to nearly 2,700 farmers and ranchers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. A joint project between NASS and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), …
USDA Awards $7.85 Million to Florida Forest to Gulf Regional Conservation Partnership Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is awarding $197 million for 41 locally led conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This includes a project in Florida, the Alachua Conservation Trust’s (ACT) Forest to Gulf RCPP. It has been awarded $7.85 million to expand conservation programs in the North Central part of the state, and is the …
USDA Investing in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program in Georgia
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this month it is investing up to $5 million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). This grant program supports the development of mitigation banks for use by agricultural producers seeking to maintain eligibility for USDA programs. Funds are available to Tribes, state and local government entities, nonprofits and other organizations. Since 2016, USDA’s Natural Resources …
USDA Boosting Conservation on Grazing Lands
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until September 22, 2022. NRCS Associate Chief Louis Aspey talks about the various partners, …
USDA to Invest up to $300 million in New Organic Transition Initiative
(WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2022) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced details of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $300 million investment, including with American Rescue Plan funds, in a new Organic Transition Initiative that will help build new and better markets and streams of income for farmers and producers. Organic production allows producers to hold a unique position in the marketplace …
USDA Announces New Opportunities to Improve Nutrient Management
Now that both the U.S. Senate and House have passed the Inflation Reduction Act, it only awaits the signature of President Biden. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) welcomed the passage of the Act, which they note will deliver $19.5 billion in new conservation funding to support climate-smart agriculture. Funding from the Act is designed to will bolster new steps …
USDA to Invest $5 Million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is investing up to $5 million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). This grant program supports the development of mitigation banks for use by agricultural producers seeking to maintain eligibility for USDA programs. Funds are available to Tribes, state and local government entities, nonprofits and other organizations. “Our goal is to …
New Water Conservation System Practice Approved in Florida
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has approved a new conservation practice. It is a Water Conservation System commonly known as an Evaporative Cooling Pad that will help reduce water and energy while improving plant productivity. This conservation practice is available for Florida nursery operations and existing greenhouses, and can also be used for cooling livestock and poultry facilities. …
USDA Boosts Conservation on Grazing Lands and Support for Farmers and Ranchers
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced they are investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. NRCS will accept proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until September 22, 2022. Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will identify and address barriers …
Financial, Technical Assistance Helps Private Landowners in St. Marks and Aucilla River Watersheds
Florida private landowners in the St. Marks and Aucilla River watersheds can apply until September 2 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for fiscal year 2023 funding. The assistance will help landowners in portions of Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla, Madison, and Taylor counties conduct prescribed burns, remove invasive plants, plant longleaf pine trees, and …