Source: USDA, 8/12/22 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is awarding $197 million for 41 locally led conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages partner resources to advance innovative projects that address climate change, enhance water quality, and address other critical challenges on agricultural land.“Our partners are experts in their fields and understand the challenges in their own backyards,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “Through RCPP we can tap into that knowledge, in partnership with producers and USDA, to come up with lasting solutions to the challenges that farmers, ranchers, and landowners face. We’re looking forward to seeing the results of public-private partnership at its best, made possible through these RCPP investments.” The projects funded today are awarded under two different RCPP
funding opportunities: 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. See the list of 2022 RCPP projects or view the interactive map. As part of each project, partners 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 Information First 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 589 awards involving over 3,000
partner organizations. Currently there are 401 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. For more information about RCPP, visit the NRCS website.
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