USDA Announces $15 Million for Conservation Innovation Grants

Clint Thompson USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $15 million investment to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through June 29, 2020, for national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving solutions that boost production on farms, ranches and private forests and improve …

USDA Invests to Protect Florida’s Natural Resources

Dan Environment, Florida, Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $16,508,441 million in Florida for partner-driven conservation projects through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage $20,822,664 million in partner contributions. “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Florida State Conservationist Rafael Vega (acting). “Through collaboration and aligning …

USDA Invests in Partner-Driven Projects that Protect Natural Resources in Alabama

Dan Alabama, Environment, Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $1 in Alabama for a partner-driven conservation project through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage $1,000,235 in partner contributions in Alabama.  “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Ben Malone, State Conservationist in Alabama. “Through collaboration and …

USDA Invests Partner-Driven Projects that Protect Natural Resources in Georgia

Dan Environment, Georgia, Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $2,077,922 in Georgia for a partner-driven conservation project through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage an additional $2,200,000 in partner contributions from the project lead, the Georgia Conservancy. “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Terrance O. …

NRCS Seeking Public Comment on Conservation Practice Standards

Dan Environment, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is still seeking public comments on proposed revisions to 49 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. But, the comment period closes April 23, 2020. The 49 updated national conservation practice standards include: 12 agronomic practices for water quality and erosion control Two aquaculture practices Three forestry practices …

USDA Invites Input on RCCP Rule

Dan USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced they are seeking public comments on their interim rule for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCCP helps partners develop and implement unique conservation solutions that engage farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The rule, which is now available on the Federal Register, takes effect on publication and includes changes to the program prescribed …

Deadline Nearing for Input on RCPP Rule

Dan USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been seeking public comments on its interim rule for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), but the deadline to make comments is April 13. RCPP helps partners develop and implement unique conservation solutions that engage farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The 2018 Farm Bill made it a stand-alone program with its own dedicated …

Georgia NRCS Conservation Easements Sign Up Ends March 31

Dan Georgia, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia reminds landowners that in order to be considered for the fiscal year 2020 funding pool for the  Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), applications must be submitted by March 31, 2020. The ACEP, created through the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, is a program that has two components, known …

Florida NRCS Extends Agricultural Land Easement Signup

Dan Florida, USDA-NRCS

The deadline for applications to fund Agricultural Land Easements in Florida has been extended to May 6. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida provides financial assistance to conservation partners to purchase an Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) that protects the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically …

USDA Service Centers Open for Business by Phone Appointment Only

Dan Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

(USDA/NRCS) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. USDA Service Centers will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will …