$1.5B Allocated for Climate-Smart Agriculture & Conservation Efforts
TL/DR –
The USDA has allocated $1.5 billion for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) in 2024 to invest in conservation and climate solutions. The investment is aimed at helping farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to adopt conservation strategies, enhance natural resources, and tackle the climate crisis. The RCPP will accept project proposals until July 2, 2024, with funding priorities for 2024 being climate-smart agriculture, urban agriculture, conservation, and environmental justice.
USDA Opens The Door For $1.5 Billion Investment In Conservation And Climate Solutions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces a historic investment of $1.5 billion in the fiscal year 2024 for partner-driven climate solutions and conservation through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). They are accepting project proposals until July 2, 2024, with an aim to support farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in implementing and enhancing conservation strategies. These projects will not only help to address the climate crisis but also boost economic benefits for the farmers.
The USDA’s focus on climate-smart agriculture has led to investments that will potentially support over 180,000 farms and over 225 million acres over the next 5 years. These investments are part of the ongoing efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration and will be facilitated through initiatives such as the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities and the Inflation Reduction Act.
The funds for this significant investment have been secured through the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the USDA has been able to augment the funding for RCPP. An effort to streamline and simplify RCPP and enhance processes and implementation is also underway.
Two New Funding Opportunities: RCPP Classic and RCPP AFA
Two separate funding opportunities are also being declared: RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). RCPP Classic projects employ NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners, and communities, working in tandem with project partners. RCPP AFA allows the lead partner to work directly with agricultural producers, fostering innovative conservation approaches. Notably, $100 million is earmarked for Tribal-led projects divided between these two funding opportunities.
The 2024 RCPP funding will prioritize climate-smart agriculture, urban agriculture, conservation, and environmental justice. These initiatives aim to deliver on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative and the locally led America the Beautiful conservation scheme. Proposals led by historically underserved entities or Indian tribes are particularly encouraged by NRCS.
How to Apply for RCPP Funding
Interested entities can submit their project proposals through the RCPP portal. Detailed information on the RCPP Classic and RCPP AFA funding opportunities can be accessed on Grants.gov. NRCS will provide additional information through hosting webinars, participation details can be found on the RCPP website.
About RCPP
RCPP is a collaborative approach to conservation, delivering agriculture and conservation solutions through public-private partnerships. To date, NRCS has invested a total of $1.8 billion in 256 RCPP projects spanning 49 states and territories.
Improvements to RCPP
NRCS has initiated several improvements to RCPP based on feedback and expertise from stakeholders. Among these are streamlining agreement negotiation, updating policy and business tools, training for state program managers and support staff, and delegating authority to State Conservationists. The agency is also working on improvements to its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and Conservation Stewardship Program to better serve producers, partners, and staff.
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