The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced they are accepting applications for project funding under USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Innovation Trial Program. Through CIG, partners work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby explains the intent behind the CIG On Farm Innovation …
Florida Agricultural Landowners Encouraged to Apply for EQIP
Agricultural producers and landowners in Florida are encouraged to apply to participate in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida can provide producers and landowners with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements that address resource concerns. “Using EQIP conservation practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife …
Conservation Innovation Grants Available in Florida
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will invest up to $900,000 for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for agricultural resource priorities in the state. Fiscal Year 2022 conservation resource priorities for the NRCS in Florida are: climate resilience, grazing, soil health, and urban agriculture. Grants from $25,000 to $250,000 will be awarded to applicants matching those funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis …
EPA Regional Administrator Visits Urban Agriculture Sites in Metro Atlanta
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman visited two urban agriculture sites, Metro-Atlanta Urban Farm and an urban backyard farm created by the youngest organic farmer of Georgia. This visit highlighted the importance of urban agriculture’s role with the environment and community and showcased successful impact and outreach at all levels. “The contributions of community leaders …
Apply Now for Conservation Innovation Grants On-Farm Trials
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will invest $25 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implements the CIG program, where partners work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. The On-Farm …
EQIP Applications Accepted on a Continuous Basis
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers. The program is designed to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. And according to NRCS Chief Terry …
USDA-NRCS Announces Urban Agriculture Investments
Last month, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced $43 million in grants and cooperative agreements to help deliver key USDA programs to urban producers. Specifically, USDA is investing $10.2 million in new cooperative agreements to expand compost and food waste reduction efforts and $14.2 million in new grants to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects. Plus, …
Accepting Applications for EQIP Animal Mortality Pilot in Alabama
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama is currently accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Animal Mortality Pilot. Alabama is offering financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address on-farm concentrated nutrient and pathogen leaching losses due to animal mortality. Animal Mortality Facilities, including incinerators and composters, will be the priority conservation practice contracted within this Pilot. …
USDA NRCS, Army Corps of Engineers Renew Partnership
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently announced the renewal of a critical partnership focused on infrastructure projects and natural resources planning. The partnership renewal continues joint efforts to combat ongoing threats to our natural resources and promotes interagency strategic planning, coordinating mission-driven assistance that best serves local resource concerns and communities. It …
Survey Asking Farmers about Conservation
We told you earlier this month that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is gathering information about the adoption of conservation practices, across the country, including here in the Southeast. The farmer survey was designed to find out what factors are involved in making their decisions about implementing conservation practices. That’s Dan Mullarkey with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The survey …