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Source: USDA, 1/13/22
The U.S.
Department of Agriculture today announced up to $225 million in available
funding for conservation partners through the Regional Conservation Partnership
Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages collective
resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on
agricultural land. This year’s funding announcements include opportunities for
projects that address climate change, benefit historically underserved
producers and support urban agriculture.
“RCPP is public-private partnership at its best,” said Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Terry Cosby. “We’re harnessing the power of partnership to create lasting solutions to global challenges, like climate change, and support producers and communities who have been underserved in the past.”
There are two types of funding opportunities under RCPP: RCPP Classic and
RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). RCPP Classic projects are
implemented using NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and
communities, in collaboration with project partners. Through RCPP AFA, partners
have more flexibility in working directly with agricultural producers to
support the development of new conservation structures and approaches that
would not otherwise be available under RCPP Classic. Project types that may be
suited to AFA, as highlighted by the 2018 Farm Bill include:
- Projects that use
innovative approaches to leverage the federal investment in conservation.
- Projects that
deploy a pay-for-performance conservation approach.
- Projects that
seek large-scale infrastructure investment that generate conservation
benefits for agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forest
owners.
USDA is accepting project proposals for both components of RCPP
through 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2022. View the funding opportunity on
grants.gov for RCPP Classic and RCPP AFA .
Additionally, a webinar with general program information for RCPP applicants is
scheduled for 3-4:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 20, 2022. Visit the RCPP
website for information on how to participate.
Funding is open to agriculture and silviculture associations, non-government
organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, conservation
districts and universities, among others.
Partners are expected to offer value-added contributions to amplify the impact
of RCPP funding in an amount equal to or greater than the NRCS
investment.
Private landowners can apply to participate in an RCPP project in their region
through awarded partners or at their local USDA service
center .
More InformationFirst authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, RCPP has leveraged partner
contributions of more than $1 for every $1 invested by USDA, resulting in
nearly $3 billion collectively invested in natural resource conservation on
private lands. Since inception, RCPP has made 579 awards involving over 3,000
partner organizations. Currently there are 408 active projects, with at least
one active project in every state and area. Successful RCPP projects provide
innovative conservation solutions, leverage partner contributions and offer
impactful and measurable outcomes.
Today’s RCPP announcement builds on other efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to address climate change. Earlier this week, NRCS announced a new Cover Crop Initiative, available through the Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) to help agricultural producers mitigate climate change through
the widespread adoption of cover crops. NRCS also announced the signup for EQIP Conservation Incentive Contracts and an improvement to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Last week, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced details of the new Post Application Coverage Endorsement, providing coverage for corn producers who “split apply nitrogen,” a more conservation friendly way to apply fertilizer. USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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