Producers Pioneer Climate Solutions in Farming
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The Inflation Reduction Act has provided $19.5 billion in extra funding to supplement existing Farm Bill funds for the USDA’s climate change mitigation and agricultural resilience programs. The Act enabled the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to support over 45,000 conservation contracts in FY 2023, a record-breaking figure amounting to $2.8 billion in financial aid for conservation efforts. Producers are encouraged to apply for this assistance, which helps in conserving natural resources, building healthier soils, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and sequestering carbon.
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation: Farmers and Landowners Embrace Solutions for Climate Change
First celebrated 54 years ago, Earth Day is a poignant reminder of the effects of climate change. Delmarva’s farmers and forest landowners are witnessing these impacts first-hand. They are uniquely positioned to combat climate change through Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation Activities. These initiatives, now supported by provisions in the Farm Bill and additional funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, are crucial for environmental sustainability.
The Inflation Reduction Act is the single largest investment in climate and clean energy solutions in American history. It infuses an additional $19.5 billion into existing Farm Bill funds. This move aims to strengthen USDA’s conservation programs that foster climate mitigation benefits and enhance resilience to climate change in agricultural operations. These programs help conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and sequester carbon.
Increased Financial Assistance for Conservation Efforts
The Inflation Reduction Act has also increased NRCS’s financial assistance to producers for conservation. In fiscal year 2023, NRCS aided more than 45,000 conservation contracts across the nation, the most in the 89-year history of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. This totaled over $2.8 billion in financial aid to producers for conservation. In Maryland alone, NRCS partnered with producers on more than 350 contracts, resulting in over $30 million in financial aid. Furthermore, producers in Virginia signed 736 contracts, amassing $54 million, while in Delaware, 128 contracts resulted in $10.5 million.
Producers like Gerald Lewis of Willards, Maryland, and Ted and Marilyn Sparks of Whitehouse, Md, who are amongst thousands of farmers receiving assistance for climate-smart activities from the Inflation Reduction Act, are paving the way for a prosperous agricultural future.
Embracing Conservation Assistance for a Sustainable Future
No matter the size or location of your farm, NRCS offers conservation assistance. We urge all parties with natural resource concerns to consider applying, including those who haven’t previously engaged with us. A conservation plan may be suitable for your operations. To find out more, get in touch with a local USDA Service Center.
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